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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 8:21 mean?

Explanation

[Acts 8:21] states, "Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God." This verse is directed at an individual named Simon the sorcerer, who attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles.

The phrase "neither part nor lot" metaphorically means having no share, inheritance, or involvement.

It strongly suggests that what Simon was seeking, spiritual power and authority, was not something that could be purchased or acquired through impure motives.

The deeper meaning emphasizes the purity of heart required to be a part of God's work and to receive the gifts of the Spirit.

It indicates a broader moral and spiritual principle that divine gifts cannot be commercialized or obtained through unethical means.

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Historical Context

This verse is from the Book of Acts in the New Testament, which documents the early days of the Christian Church following Jesus' resurrection and ascension.

In Acts Chapter 8, Philip had been spreading the Gospel in Samaria, where many people, including Simon the sorcerer, believed and were baptized.

When the apostles Peter and John arrived to impart the Holy Spirit to these new believers, Simon offered them money to gain the power to also bestow the Holy Spirit.

This event happens during a time when the nascent Christian community was defining itself and its standards for leadership, authority, and the transmission of the Holy Spirit.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Acts 8:21 challenges the notion of spirituality as a commodity.

It underscores the belief that the Holy Spirit is a gift from God and cannot be manipulated or controlled by human means.

This teaching is echoed across various Christian denominations, emphasizing the sovereignty of God in granting spiritual gifts and the expectation of genuine faith and repentance from believers.

The concept of “simony,” the buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges, takes its name from Simon the sorcerer and is considered a grave sin in Christian ethics.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Acts 8:21 can be applied in daily life to remind individuals that spiritual understanding, gifts, and positions within a religious community should be approached with humility and sincerity rather than entitlement or materialistic motives.

It serves as a warning against trying to manipulate spiritual systems for personal gain, whether in a religious setting or in broader ethical situations.

Followers are encouraged to self-reflect on their own motives and to strive for purity of heart in their spiritual pursuits.

Cross-References

Acts 8:18-20: Contextual verses where Simon tries to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit and Peter’s initial response.
2 Kings 5:16: Elisha's refusal to take payment for healing Naaman, highlighting that God's gifts are not for sale.
1 Samuel 16:7: “…for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
Matthew 6:20-21: "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, the phrase "neither part nor lot" (μερίς οὐδὲ κλῆρος) has economic and inheritance connotations.

“μερίς” (meris) often means a portion or share of something, while “κλῆρος” (kleros) refers to a lot or inheritance.

This linguistic choice reinforces the idea of Simon being entirely excluded from the sphere of divine gifts because of his impure intentions, as it would be understood in the context of a transaction or inheritance rights.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons might be drawn to other ancient cultures where religious offices or privileges were often bought, inherited, or won through political maneuvering, as opposed to being a reflection of personal virtue or divine favor.

For example, in some pagan religious traditions, priesthoods were politically influenced roles.

In contrast, in the nascent Christian community, spiritual authority was increasingly tied to moral integrity and the demonstration of divine calling and endowment.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might address the issue of morality in human behavior, such as the psychological and sociological implications of Simon's action as an example of transactional relationships versus altruistic behavior.

Science can study the efficacy of trust and honesty as societal glue and how spiritual beliefs can shape ethical standards and actions.

However, the supernatural aspect of the Holy Spirit is a matter of faith and is not within the purview of scientific analysis.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations of Acts 8:21.

Some view it as a clear condemnation of simony and as a foundational scripture for the doctrine that God's gifts cannot be bought. Others focus on Peter’s role in establishing early Church order and discipline.

Additionally, commentators often highlight the merciful aspect of Peter's rebuke, the possibility of repentance and correction for Simon.

They see it not just as a warning against specific transgressions but also as a call to all believers to continuously examine and purify their intentions before God.

Acts 8

Acts 8

What does Acts 8:21 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 8:21 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?