4 Therefore , those who had been scattered went about preaching the word . 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. 6 The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip , as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing . 7 For in the case of many who had unclean spirits , they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice ; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed . 8 So there was much rejoicing in that city . 9 Now there was a man named Simon , who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria , claiming to be someone great ; 10 and they all , from smallest to greatest , were giving attention to him, saying , " This man is what is called the Great Power of God ." 11 And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts . 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ , they were being baptized , men and women alike . 13 Even Simon himself believed ; and after being baptized , he continued on with Philip , and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place , he was constantly amazed .
14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God , they sent them Peter and John , 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit . 16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus . 17 Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit . 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands , he offered them money , 19 saying , "Give this authority to me as well , so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit ." 20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money ! 21 "You have no part or portion in this matter , for your heart is not right before God . 22 "Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours , and pray the Lord that, if possible , the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 "For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity ." 24 But Simon answered and said , " Pray to the Lord for me yourselves , so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 8:4-24
Commentary on Acts 8:1-4
(Read Acts 8:1-4)
Though persecution must not drive us from our work, yet it may send us to work elsewhere. Wherever the established believer is driven, he carries the knowledge of the gospel, and makes known the preciousness of Christ in every place. Where a simple desire of doing good influences the heart, it will be found impossible to shut a man out from all opportunities of usefulness.
Commentary on Acts 8:5-13
(Read Acts 8:5-13)
As far as the gospel prevails, evil spirits are dislodged, particularly unclean spirits. All inclinations to the lusts of the flesh which war against the soul are such. Distempers are here named, the most difficult to be cured by the course of nature, and most expressive of the disease of sin. Pride, ambition, and desire after grandeur have always caused abundance of mischief, both to the world and to the church. The people said of Simon, This man is the great power of God. See how ignorant and thoughtless people mistake. But how strong is the power of Divine grace, by which they were brought to Christ, who is Truth itself! The people not only gave heed to what Philip said, but were fully convinced that it was of God, and not of men, and gave up themselves to be directed thereby. Even bad men, and those whose hearts still go after covetousness, may come before God as his people come, and for a time continue with them. And many wonder at the proofs of Divine truths, who never experience their power. The gospel preached may have a common operation upon a soul, where it never produced inward holiness. All are not savingly converted who profess to believe the gospel.
Commentary on Acts 8:14-25
(Read Acts 8:14-25)
The Holy Ghost was as yet fallen upon none of these coverts, in the extraordinary powers conveyed by the descent of the Spirit upon the day of Pentecost. We may take encouragement from this example, in praying to God to give the renewing graces of the Holy Ghost to all for whose spiritual welfare we are concerned; for that includes all blessings. No man can give the Holy Spirit by the laying on of his hands; but we should use our best endeavours to instruct those for whom we pray. Simon Magus was ambitious to have the honour of an apostle, but cared not at all to have the spirit and disposition of a Christian. He was more desirous to gain honour to himself, than to do good to others. Peter shows him his crime. He esteemed the wealth of this world, as if it would answer for things relating to the other life, and would purchase the pardon of sin, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and eternal life. This was such a condemning error as could by no means consist with a state of grace. Our hearts are what they are in the sight of God, who cannot be deceived. And if they are not right in his sight, our religion is vain, and will stand us in no stead. A proud and covetous heart cannot be right with God. It is possible for a man to continue under the power of sin, yet to put on a form of godliness. When tempted with money to do evil, see what a perishing thing money is, and scorn it. Think not that Christianity is a trade to live by in this world. There is much wickedness in the thought of the heart, its false notions, and corrupt affections, and wicked projects, which must be repented of, or we are undone. But it shall be forgiven, upon our repentance. The doubt here is of the sincerity of Simon's repentance, not of his pardon, if his repentance was sincere. Grant us, Lord, another sort of faith than that which made Simon wonder only, and did not sanctify his heart. May we abhor all thoughts of making religion serve the purposes of pride or ambition. And keep us from that subtle poison of spiritual pride, which seeks glory to itself even from humility. May we seek only the honour which cometh from God.