Confronting Greed and False Faith

Acts 8:18–25 (NASB95) 

18Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21“You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.22“Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. 23“For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” 24But Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”  

Acts 8:18–24 reveals Simon’s attempt to commodify divine power. After witnessing Peter and John bestow the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, Simon offers money to acquire this authority. His request reflects a pagan worldview that reduces spirituality to transactional magic, treating the Spirit as a tool for personal gain. Peter’s stern rebuke—“May your silver perish with you!”—denies this distortion, emphasizing that God’s gifts cannot be bought, only received through grace. Luke contrasts Simon’s self-serving motives with the integrity of the apostles, who performed miracles without seeking profit. This episode warns against spiritual manipulation and aligns with biblical critiques of idolatry and greed.  

Like Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11), Simon represents corruption that threatens the church’s purity. Peter’s conditional call to repentance—“Pray to the Lord… if possible”—leaves Simon’s sincerity ambiguous, mirroring Pharaoh’s superficial pleas (Exodus 9:27–28). This underscores Luke’s emphasis that genuine faith transforms motives, not merely outward behavior.  

Simon’s plea for intercession (“Pray for me to the Lord,” 8:24) parallels the insincere repentance exhibited by Pharaoh and Jeroboam (1 Kgs 13:6). Although Peter’s response allows for some hope, early tradition indicates that Simon’s heart remained unchanged. His story serves as a sobering reminder that encountering God’s power does not guarantee transformation. True discipleship demands humility and ongoing surrender, rather than fleeting fascination with spiritual spectacle. 

Simon’s greed mirrors modern distortions, such as the “prosperity gospel” or ministries that prioritize profit over integrity. Beware of reducing faith to transactional rituals or treating divine power as a commodity.  

Blessings, 

Ryan Goodnight