Acts 8 continues with the story of what took place in Samaria with Phillip. Due to the persecution of Christians by Saul, Phillip had gone into Samaria to preach the good news. He found people receptive to the message, who welcomed his healing and many professed faith even unto baptism. One such Samarian was Simon, a local magician who had a following. When he saw and heard Phillip, he believed and was baptized. Acts 8:13 “Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.”

“Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to 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 on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 8:14-16 The Holy Spirit had come at Pentecost but had not been known to come upon others outside of Jerusalem. We will see the progression in Acts as witnesses venture out into the world. Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Peter and John arrived in Samaria and began praying and laying hands on the new believers so that they would be filled with the Holy Spirit. When Simon witnessed this, he offered Peter money for this power. Peter’s response is decisive and swift, Act 8:20-25 from the Message, “Peter said, “To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that’s unthinkable—trying to buy God’s gift! You’ll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes. Change your ways—and now! Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money. I can see this is an old habit with you; you reek with money-lust.” ²⁴ “Oh!” said Simon, “pray for me! Pray to the Master that nothing like that will ever happen to me!” ²⁵ And with that, the apostles were on their way, continuing to witness and spread the Message of God’s salvation, preaching in every Samaritan town they passed through on their return to Jerusalem.” Peter saw Simon’s heart motives were not for worship or desirous of being indwelt by God’s Holy Spirit but for profit. He rebuked him and called for Simon to repent. Simon seemed to get the message but no repentance was evident in this passage only fear for what might happen to him.

How does this passage speak to us today? God will not be mocked or fooled by sweet words as He sees into our hearts. How does God do this? As here in Acts, his messenger the Apostle Peter called Simon up short on his actions and exposed his heart. We can become convicted by our Pastor’s message, a sermon on Christian radio or by the words of a Christian friend. We can also be convicted by reading God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” This is why it is so important to be in the Word yourself daily. God can and does speak to us, correcting our hearts and motives through the Bible.

Are you allowing yourself to be exposed regularly to God’s Truth? Are you willing and open to changing when He reveals to you wrong motives or desires? Growing and maturing in our faith is a life long process that needs attention daily. The Psalmist puts this into perspective for us: Proverbs 16:1-3 The plans of the heart belong to man,
    but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
² All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
    but the Lord weighs the spirit.
³ Commit your work to the Lord,
    and your plans will be established.

Seek His guidance and perspective so that your life and deeds will be honoring to Him.

Linda