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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 8:22 mean?

Explanation

Acts 8:22 encourages an individual named Simon to repent for his wickedness.

The context reveals that Simon, who had believed and been baptized, offered money to the apostles, hoping to purchase the power to lay hands on others to receive the Holy Spirit. Peter strongly rebuked Simon, perceiving that his heart was not right with God.

In this verse, Peter exhorts Simon to repent and to seek forgiveness from God, with the hope that his wicked thoughts can be forgiven.

The deeper meaning touches on themes of true repentance, the condition of the heart in relation to God, and the nature of God's grace that cannot be bought with worldly wealth.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of a narrative that takes place in the early Christian Church after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It occurs during the missionary journeys of the apostles as they spread the Christian faith and establish the church.

The incident with Simon the Sorcerer happens in Samaria after the conversion of the Samaritans through the preaching of Philip.

In a socio-cultural context where mystical practices were common, Simon's attempt to acquire spiritual gifts with money illustrates a misunderstanding of the nature of God's gifts and the need for sincere faith.

Theological Insights

Throughout Christian theology, Simon's attempt to buy the gift of God is known as "simony," and is considered a grave sin.

Theologically, this verse emphasizes the sovereignty of God's grace, it cannot be controlled or dispensed by human means or wealth.

Furthermore, it stresses the need for inner transformation (repentance) rather than mere outward association with the church. Different traditions may also view the notion of forgiveness upon prayer and whether God forgives all sins if prayed about with genuine remorse.

Practical Applications

This verse applies to daily life by teaching that one cannot purchase God's favor and that true repentance is necessary for forgiveness.

It serves as a reminder of the need for sincere intentions in one's spiritual or religious practice and warns against trying to manipulate spiritual power or authority for personal gain.

Additionally, it calls for self-examination of one's heart and intentions in relation to one's faith and actions.

Cross-References

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" Ephesians 2:8
"But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money." Acts 8:20
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Psalm 51:17

Language Study

The original Greek words used in this passage offer further depth:

"Repent" (Μετανόησον - Metanoēson): Meaning to change one's mind or purpose, reflecting a true change of heart and direction.
"Wickedness" (κακίας - kakias): Meaning malice or ill-will, indicating moral corruption.
"Pray" (δεήθητι - deēthēti): Invoke, entreat, or petition, implying a deep level of seeking or asking.
"Heart" (καρδίας - kardias): Often used figuratively in Greek for the inner self, the will, intention, or character.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Simon's attempt to buy spiritual power mirrors many ancient myths where mortals seek to possess divine attributes or status, often through deceptive or material means.

For example, in some interpretations of Greek mythology, humans would try to approach the divine through similarly transactional means.

While in various religious practices, offerings to deities are made with an expectation of receiving a favor, which contrasts with the Christian concept of grace.

Scientific Perspectives

Currently, science does not corroborate the existence of divine beings nor provide a basis for purchasing spiritual power or grace with money or material wealth.

The internal process of repentance and the transformation of personal character remain psychological topics that can be studied, but the divine forgiveness described in this verse lies outside the scope of direct scientific analysis.

Commentaries

Various Biblical commentaries offer insights into Acts 8:22:

John Calvin remarks on the gravity of the sin and the mercy available if Simon would truly repent.
Matthew Henry discusses the corrupt state of Simon's heart and Peter’s authoritative call for repentance.
Albert Barnes emphasizes that forgiveness is contingent upon true repentance and not on an outward show of religion.
Contemporary commentators might focus on the social implications of trying to manipulate spiritual systems for personal gain and the timeless need for integrity and sincerity in spiritual leadership and practice.

Acts 8

Acts 8

What does Acts 8:22 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 8:22 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?