Acts 8:14-25 - Simon's Sin

14 Now when the Apostles at Jerusalem had news that the people of Samaria had taken the word of God into their hearts, they sent to them Peter and John; 15 Who, when they came there, made prayer for them, that the Holy Spirit might be given to them: 16 For up to that time he had not come on any of them; only baptism had been given to them in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they put their hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came on them.

18 Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the touch of the Apostles' hands, he made them an offering of money, saying, 19 Give me this power, so that when I put my hands on anyone he may get the Holy Spirit.

20 But Peter said, May your money come to destruction with you, because you had the idea that what is freely given by God may be got for a price. 21 You have no part in this business, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Let your heart be changed, and make prayer to God that you may have forgiveness for your evil thoughts. 23 For I see that you are prisoned in bitter envy and the chains of sin.

24 And Simon, answering, said, Make prayer for me to the Lord, so that these things which you have said may not come on me.

25 So they, having given their witness and made clear the word of the Lord, went back to Jerusalem, giving the good news on their way in a number of the small towns of Samaria.


Basic English, produced by Mr C. K. Ogden of the Orthological Institute - public domain