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Acts 8

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

And there was great joy in that city.

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

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

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

What does Acts 8:19 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 8:19 is part of the account of Simon the Sorcerer, a character mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles.

This verse records Simon's words after he witnesses the apostles Peter and John laying their hands on believers who subsequently receive the Holy Spirit.

Simon is so amazed by this power that he offers money to the apostles in exchange for the ability to impart the Holy Spirit in the same way.

Simon's request reflects a misunderstanding of the nature of God's gifts; he treats the Holy Spirit as a commodity that can be bought, rather than a gift bestowed by God according to God's will.

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Historical Context

Acts 8:19 appears in the narrative of the early Christian church's expansion following Christ's crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.

At this time, apostles such as Peter and John were traveling to spread the Gospel and establish the church.

Simon is said to have practiced sorcery in the city of Samaria, claiming to be someone great and gaining a following.

The historical context suggests a tension between the early Christian community and other belief systems, including sorcery and magical practices, which were common in the ancient world.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse highlights the divine sovereignty in dispensing spiritual gifts and the grave error in attempting to acquire them through ungodly means.

In the Christian tradition, the Holy Spirit is viewed as the third person of the Trinity, and the giving of the Holy Spirit to believers is an act of grace, not a transaction.

Simon's desire to purchase this ability reveals a spiritual immaturity and misunderstanding of God's nature.

Practical Applications

A practical application derived from Acts 8:19 is the warning against trying to manipulate or control spiritual experiences or gifts for personal gain.

In contemporary terms, this could relate to the temptation to use religion or spirituality to gain power, influence, or wealth.

The verse serves as a caution to value the integrity and authenticity of one's faith journey over external displays of power or status.

Cross-References

Acts 8:18 - "And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,"
Acts 2:38 - "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Ephesians 4:30 - "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."

Language Study

In Acts 8:19, the key phrase "Holy Ghost" translates from the Greek "Αγίου Πνεύματος" (Hagiou Pneumatos).

"Hagios" refers to something that is holy, sacred or set apart, while "Pneuma" means spirit or breath.

The term conveys the concept of God's pure and life-giving presence within believers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions and cultures, there was a belief in the ability to purchase or acquire supernatural powers.

This could be compared with Simon's notion of buying the abilities the apostles had, a practice that would have been more culturally acceptable in a world where magical and spiritual powers were often seen as commodities.

However, in the Christian context, this commodification of spiritual gifts is shown to be a profound misunderstanding of God's grace.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science typically does not address spiritual experiences like receiving the Holy Spirit due to their non-material and subjective nature.

While science can study the effects of religious belief on human behavior and brain activity, it remains silent on the ontological reality of spiritual events and gifts.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have often pointed to Simon the Sorcerer as an example of someone approaching faith with the wrong motives – seeking personal gain rather than true spiritual transformation.

Many interpret this passage as a clear message against the commercialization of religious experiences.

Scholars also use this story to discuss the early Christian church's position on magic and sorcery, which were rejected in favor of the practice of a faith rooted in moral integrity and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8

Acts 8

What does Acts 8:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 8:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?