⁹ And there was a certain man called Simon, which beforetime in the same city, used witchcraft and bewitched the people of Samaria, saying that he was a man that could do great things. ¹⁰ Whom they regarded, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This fellow is the great power of God." ¹¹ And him they set much by, because of long time with sorcery he had mocked their wits. ¹² But as soon as they believed Philip's preaching of the kingdom of God and of the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised: both men and women. ¹³ Then Simon himself believed also, and was baptised. And continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were showed.

¹⁴ When the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard say that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: ¹⁵ which, when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the holy ghost. ¹⁶ For as yet he was come on none of them: But they were baptised only in the name of Christ Jesus. ¹⁷ Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the holy ghost.

¹⁸ When Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands on them, the holy ghost was given: he offered them money, saying, ¹⁹ "Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I put the hands, he may receive the holy ghost."

²⁰ Then said Peter unto him, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou wenest that the gift of God may be obtained with money. ²¹ Thou hast neither part nor fellowship in this business. For thy heart is not right in the sight of God. ²² Repent, therefore, of this thy wickedness, and pray God that the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. ²³ For I perceive that thou art full of bitter gall, and wrapped in iniquity."

²⁴ Then answered Simon, and said, "Pray ye to the Lord for me that none of these things which ye have spoken fall on me."

²⁵ And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned toward Jerusalem and preached the gospel in many cities of the Samaritans.