Acts 8:9-25 - Simon The Magician
9 But a certain man, named Simon, lived previously in that city, who practised magic, and astonished the nation of Samaria, giving out himself as an extraordinary great personage: 10 to whom all gave heed from the small to the great, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11 And to him they attended, because he had of a considerable time astonished them by his magical tricks. 12 But when they believed Philip, who preached the glad tidings of the things which related to the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised both men and women. 13 Then Simon also himself believed: and being baptised, he attached himself to Philip, and beholding the signs and great miracles which were performed, he was astonished.
14 But when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 for as yet he had not fallen on any one of them: only they had been baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 Now when Simon saw, that by the imposition of the apostles' hands, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, Confer on me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, they may receive the Holy Ghost.
20 But Peter said unto him, May thy silver with thyself go into perdition, because thou hast imagined that the gift of God can be purchased with money. 21 There is for thee neither part nor lot in this word: for thy heart is not right before God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray to God, if haply this thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee. 23 For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity.
24 Then Simon answering said, Pray ye for me unto the Lord, that none of the things which ye have spoken may come upon me.
25 Then they, after bearing their testimony, and speaking the word of the Lord, returned towards Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.