The Sorcerer’s Sin

14 Now when the (A)apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them (B)that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For (C)as yet He had fallen upon none of them. (D)They had only been baptized in (E)the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then (F)they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because (G)you thought that (H)the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your (I)heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God (J)if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are (K)poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”

24 Then Simon answered and said, (L)“Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”

Read full chapter

14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria(A) had accepted the word of God,(B) they sent Peter and John(C) to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit,(D) 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them;(E) they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.(F) 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them,(G) and they received the Holy Spirit.(H)

18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!(I) 21 You have no part or share(J) in this ministry, because your heart is not right(K) before God. 22 Repent(L) of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me(M) so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”

Read full chapter