Acts 8:9-24 ▼

9 Now a certain man named Simon had been formerly practicing sorcery in the city and amazing the people of Samaria, declaring himself to be someone great,

10 to whom they were all giving heed, from small to great, saying, “This one is the power of God that is called Great.”

11 Now they were giving heed to him because for a long time he had amazed them with the magic arts.

12 But when they believed Philip proclaiming the gospel concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 And Simon himself also believed, and having been baptized, he was steadfastly continuing with Philip. And beholding the signs and great miracles being performed, he was amazed.

14 Now the apostles in Jerusalem, having heard that Samaria had received the word of God, sent to them Peter and John,

15 who, having come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

16 For He was not yet fallen upon any of them, but they had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

17 Then they began laying the hands upon them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

18 Now Simon, having seen that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, offered to them money,

19 saying, “Give also to me this authority, so that on whomever I may lay the hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 But Peter said to him, “Your silver with you, may it be to destruction, because you thought the gift of God was to be obtained by money!

21 To you there is no part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.

22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray earnestly to the Lord, if indeed the intent of your heart will be forgiven you.

23 For I see you being in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.”

24 And Simon, answering, said, “You? pray earnestly to the Lord on behalf of me, so that nothing of which you? have spoken may come upon me.”