Acts 8:22
Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart.
Repent
The Greek word for "repent" is "metanoeō," which means to change one's mind or purpose. In the context of the New Testament, it signifies a profound transformation of heart and mind, turning away from sin and towards God. This call to repentance is a central theme in Christian doctrine, emphasizing the need for a personal acknowledgment of sin and a sincere commitment to change. It is not merely an emotional response but a decisive action that aligns one's life with God's will.

therefore
The use of "therefore" connects the call to repentance with the preceding events. In Acts 8, Simon the Sorcerer attempts to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, revealing a heart not aligned with God's purposes. "Therefore" serves as a logical conclusion, indicating that repentance is the necessary response to his misguided actions. It underscores the principle that understanding and acknowledging one's sin is the first step towards reconciliation with God.

of your wickedness
"Wickedness" here is translated from the Greek word "kakia," which refers to moral evil or malice. It highlights the severity of Simon's actions, which were not just misguided but fundamentally opposed to God's righteousness. This phrase serves as a reminder that sin is not merely a mistake but a deliberate deviation from God's holiness. It calls believers to recognize the gravity of sin and the need for divine forgiveness.

and pray to the Lord
Prayer is presented as an essential component of repentance. The act of praying to the Lord signifies humility and dependence on God's grace. It is through prayer that believers communicate with God, seeking His mercy and guidance. This phrase emphasizes the relational aspect of Christianity, where believers are encouraged to approach God with sincerity and faith, trusting in His willingness to forgive and restore.

Perhaps He will forgive you
The word "perhaps" introduces an element of uncertainty, reflecting the seriousness of Simon's sin. It suggests that forgiveness is not automatic but contingent upon genuine repentance and God's sovereign will. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder that God's grace should not be presumed upon but sought earnestly. It underscores the importance of a contrite heart and the recognition that forgiveness is a divine gift, not a human entitlement.

for the intent of your heart
The "intent of your heart" refers to the inner motivations and desires that drive one's actions. In the biblical context, the heart is seen as the center of one's being, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will. This phrase highlights the importance of inner purity and sincerity in the Christian life. It calls believers to examine their hearts, ensuring that their intentions align with God's purposes. It is a reminder that God looks beyond outward actions to the true condition of the heart, and it is there that true transformation must begin.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Simon the Sorcerer
A man in Samaria who practiced sorcery and amazed the people. He believed and was baptized but later tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles.

2. Philip the Evangelist
One of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, who preached the gospel in Samaria, leading many, including Simon, to believe and be baptized.

3. Peter the Apostle
One of Jesus' original twelve disciples, who, along with John, was sent to Samaria to pray for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit.

4. John the Apostle
Another of Jesus' original twelve disciples, who accompanied Peter to Samaria.

5. Samaria
A region in the ancient Near East, significant for its mixed population and historical tensions with the Jews. It was the site of Philip's successful evangelistic campaign.
Teaching Points
The Necessity of Repentance
Repentance is a fundamental step in the Christian faith, requiring a sincere turning away from sin and a turning towards God.

The Power of Prayer
Prayer is essential in seeking forgiveness and aligning our hearts with God's will. It is through prayer that we express our dependence on God's grace.

The Intent of the Heart
God is concerned with the motives behind our actions. True repentance involves examining and correcting the intentions of our hearts.

The Danger of Simony
The term "simony" originates from Simon's attempt to buy spiritual power. It serves as a warning against trying to manipulate or commercialize the gifts of God.

The Role of Apostolic Authority
The apostles' role in laying hands for the Holy Spirit's reception underscores the importance of spiritual authority and guidance in the church.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does Simon's account teach us about the importance of examining our motives when seeking spiritual gifts or positions?

2. How can we apply the principle of repentance in our daily lives, especially when we recognize wrong intentions in our hearts?

3. In what ways does prayer play a role in our process of repentance and seeking forgiveness from God?

4. How can we guard against the temptation to treat spiritual gifts or church roles as commodities to be bought or earned?

5. How does the concept of apostolic authority in Acts 8 relate to the structure and leadership within the modern church?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 2:38
Peter's call to repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins, highlighting the consistent message of repentance in the early church.

Matthew 3:8
John the Baptist's call to produce fruit in keeping with repentance, emphasizing the need for genuine change of heart and behavior.

James 4:8
The call to draw near to God and purify one's heart, which aligns with the need for sincere repentance and prayer.
Success and Disappointment in Christian WorkW. Clarkson Acts 8:5-25
Christianity True and FalseActs 8:9-24
Saul, Simon, and PhilipK. Gerok.Acts 8:9-24
Simon Magus and Simon PeterK. Gerok.Acts 8:9-24
Simon Magus, or Wrong-HeartednessD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 8:9-24
Simon the Magian Unmasked and Put to ShameD. J. Burrell, D. D.Acts 8:9-24
Simon the SorcererJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 8:9-24
Simon the SorcererAmerican Sunday School TimesActs 8:9-24
Simon the Sorcerer, an Admonitory Example of a False TeacherK. Gerok.Acts 8:9-24
SimonyG. V. Lechler, D. D.Acts 8:9-24
Sudden Conversions not Always GenuineC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 8:9-24
The Fortune HunterW. A. G.Acts 8:9-24
The Sin of SimonDean Vaughan.Acts 8:9-24
The Sin of Simon; or Trading in Holy ThingsSt. J. A. Frere, M. A.Acts 8:9-24
The Type of One Stricken with Religion-BlindnessP.C. Barker Acts 8:9-24
The Spirit of Mammon in the Christian ChurchR.A. Redford Acts 8:14-24
The Apostle's Visit to SamariaDean Goulburn.Acts 8:14-25
The Church and the WorldProf. Luthardt.Acts 8:14-25
The Deputation to SamariaJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 8:14-25
The First Church VisitationK. Gerok.Acts 8:14-25
A Right State of the HeartE. Cooper.Acts 8:20-24
Gift and PurchaseArthur Brooks.Acts 8:20-24
Peter's Admonition to Simon the SorcererH. R. Raymond, D.D.Acts 8:20-24
Right HeartsW. Birch.Acts 8:20-24
Simony Assumes Various FormsG. T. Stokes, D. D.Acts 8:20-24
Sin and SalvationJ. W. Burn.Acts 8:20-24
The Gall of Bitterness and the Bond of IniquityS. Barnard.Acts 8:20-24
The Impotence of MoneyBp. H. C. Potter, D. D.Acts 8:20-24
The Natural HeartH. Crosby, D. D.Acts 8:20-24
People
Candace, Esaias, Ethiopians, Isaiah, John, Peter, Philip, Saul, Simon, Stephen
Places
Azotus, Caesarea, Gaza, Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria
Topics
Beseech, Changed, Evil, Forgive, Forgiven, Forgiveness, Heart, Hope, Indeed, Intent, Intention, Perhaps, Possible, Prayer, Purpose, Reform, Repent, Supplicate, Thoughts, Wickedness, Yours
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 8:22

     2425   gospel, requirements
     6652   forgiveness

Acts 8:9-23

     5714   men

Acts 8:13-23

     6134   coveting, prohibition

Acts 8:18-23

     5310   exploitation
     5465   profit

Acts 8:18-24

     4155   divination

Acts 8:21-22

     5016   heart, fallen and redeemed

Acts 8:22-24

     6735   repentance, examples

Library
Simon the Sorcerer
'Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.'--ACTS viii. 21. The era of the birth of Christianity was one of fermenting opinion and decaying faith. Then, as now, men's minds were seething and unsettled, and that unrest which is the precursor of great changes in intellectual and spiritual habitudes affected the civilised world. Such a period is ever one of predisposition to superstition. The one true bond which unites God and man being obscured,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Philip the Evangelist
'But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.'--ACTS viii. 40. The little that is known about Philip, the deacon and evangelist, may very soon be told. His name suggests, though by no means conclusively, that he was probably one of the so-called Hellenists, or foreign-born and Greek-speaking Jews. This is made the more probable because he was one of the seven selected by the Church, and after that selection appointed by the Apostles,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Seed Scattered and Taking Root
'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. 2. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Meeting in the Desert
'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. 27. 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, 28. Was returning, and sitting in his chariot, read Esaias the prophet. 29. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The General Spread of the Gospel
"The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters covers the sea." Isa. 11:9. 1. In what a condition is the world at present! How does darkness, intellectual darkness, ignorance, with vice and misery attendant upon it, cover the face of the earth! From the accurate inquiry made with indefatigable pains by our ingenious countryman, Mr. Brerewood; (who travelled himself over a great part of the known world, in order to form the more exact judgment;) supposing the world to be divided
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Twenty-Sixth Day for the Holy Spirit on Young Converts
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Holy Spirit on Young Converts "Peter and John prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost; for as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus."--ACTS viii. 15, 16. "Now He which establisheth us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; who also gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."--2 COR. i. 21, 22. How many new converts who remain feeble; how many who fall into sin; how many who backslide
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Period iii. The Critical Period: A. D. 140 to A. D. 200
The interval between the close of the post-apostolic age and the end of the second century, or from about 140 to 200, may be called the Critical Period of Ancient Christianity. In this period there grew up conceptions of Christianity which were felt by the Church, as a whole, to be fundamentally opposed to its essential spirit and to constitute a serious menace to the Christian faith as it had been commonly received. These conceptions, which grew up both alongside of, and within the Church, have
Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History

Gaza
After very many histories of this place in the Holy Bible, which there is no need to repeat here,--in this city did Alexander the Great, at length, besiege Babemeses the Persian, by the space of two months. "And that city, which before-time was most famous, was laid waste by him, and rendered desert." Not that he had destroyed the building of the city, or consumed it with fire; for presently after his death, Antigonus and Ptolemy, his captains, fighting, it had walls, gates, and fortifications: but
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

And on the Day Following He Went Forth Still More Eagerly Bent on The...
11. And on the day following he went forth still more eagerly bent on the service of God and having fallen in with the old man he had met previously, he asked him to dwell with him in the desert. But when the other declined on account of his great age, and because as yet there was no such custom, Antony himself set off forthwith to the mountain. And yet again the enemy seeing his zeal and wishing to hinder it, cast in his way what seemed to be a great silver dish. But Antony, seeing the guile of
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Whether Baptism Can be Conferred in the Name of Christ?
Objection 1: It seems that Baptism can be conferred in the name of Christ. For just as there is "one Faith," so is there "one Baptism" (Eph. 4:5). But it is related (Acts 8:12) that "in the name of Jesus Christ they were baptized, both men and women." Therefore now also can Baptism be conferred in the name of Christ. Objection 2: Further, Ambrose says (De Spir. Sanct. i): "If you mention Christ, you designate both the Father by Whom He was anointed, and the Son Himself, Who was anointed, and the
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Chrism is a Fitting Matter for this Sacrament?
Objection 1: It seems that chrism is not a fitting matter for this sacrament. For this sacrament, as stated above (A[1], ad 1), was instituted by Christ when He promised His disciples the Holy Ghost. But He sent them the Holy Ghost without their being anointed with chrism. Moreover, the apostles themselves bestowed this sacrament without chrism, by the mere imposition of hands: for it is written (Acts 8:17) that the apostles "laid their hands upon" those who were baptized, "and they received the
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Imposition of the Priest's Hands is Necessary for this Sacrament?
Objection 1: It would seem that the imposition of the priest's hands is necessary for this sacrament. For it is written (Mk. 16:18): "They shall lay hands upon the sick, and they shall recover." Now sinners are sick spiritually, and obtain recovery through this sacrament. Therefore an imposition of hands should be made in this sacrament. Objection 2: Further, in this sacrament man regains the Holy Ghost Whom he had lost, wherefore it is said in the person of the penitent (Ps. 1:14): "Restore unto
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Penance is a Sacrament?
Objection 1: It would seem that Penance is not a sacrament. For Gregory [*Cf. Isidore, Etym. vi, ch. 19] says: "The sacraments are Baptism, Chrism, and the Body and Blood of Christ; which are called sacraments because under the veil of corporeal things the Divine power works out salvation in a hidden manner." But this does not happen in Penance, because therein corporeal things are not employed that, under them, the power of God may work our salvation. Therefore Penance is not a sacrament. Objection
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Baptism Should be Deferred?
Objection 1: It seems that Baptism should be deferred. For Pope Leo says (Epist. xvi): "Two seasons," i.e. Easter and Whitsuntide, "are fixed by the Roman Pontiff for the celebration of Baptism. Wherefore we admonish your Beatitude not to add any other days to this custom." Therefore it seems that Baptism should be conferred not at once, but delayed until the aforesaid seasons. Objection 2: Further, we read in the decrees of the Council of Agde (Can. xxxiv): "If Jews whose bad faith often "returns
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether those who had Been Baptized with John's Baptism had to be Baptized with the Baptism of Christ?
Objection 1: It would seem that those who had been baptized with John's baptism had not to be baptized with the baptism of Christ. For John was not less than the apostles, since of him is it written (Mat. 11:11): "There hath not risen among them that are born of women a greater than John the Baptist." But those who were baptized by the apostles were not baptized again, but only received the imposition of hands; for it is written (Acts 8:16,17) that some were "only baptized" by Philip "in the name
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Simony is an Intentional Will to Buy or Sell Something Spiritual or Connected with a Spiritual Thing?
Objection 1: It would seem that simony is not "an express will to buy or sell something spiritual or connected with a spiritual thing." Simony is heresy, since it is written (I, qu. i [*Can. Eos qui per pecunias.]): "The impious heresy of Macedonius and of those who with him impugned the Holy Ghost, is more endurable than that of those who are guilty of simony: since the former in their ravings maintained that the Holy Spirit of Father and Son is a creature and the slave of God, whereas the latter
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Holy Spirit Sending Men Forth to Definite Lines of Work.
We read in Acts xiii. 2-4, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed into Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus." It is evident from this passage that the Holy Spirit calls men into definite lines of work and sends them forth into the work. He not
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Preventive against Backsliding.
It is most instructive to note how exceedingly anxious the early Christians were, that, as soon as a man was converted, he should be "filled with the Holy Ghost." They knew no reason why weary wastes of disappointing years should stretch between Bethel and Peniel, between the Cross and Pentecost. They knew it was not God's will that forty years of wilderness wanderings should lie between Egypt and the Promised Land (Deut. i. 2). When Peter and John came to the Samaritans, and found that they were
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

How Long Between?
It is often asked what time must elapse between the regenerating by the Spirit and the filling with the Spirit? for be it remembered the Filling is as real and distinct and definite a blessing as the regenerating. Many people know the moment of their new birth; they were conscious of the change; so also many know when they were "filled with the Holy Ghost;" it was a blessed, bright, conscious experience, and it is as impossible to argue them out of the one experience as out of the other. On the other
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

The Early History of Particular Churches.
A.D. 67-A.D. 500 Section 1. The Church of England. [Sidenote: St. Paul's visit to England.] The CHURCH OF ENGLAND is believed, with good reason, to owe its foundation to the Apostle St. Paul, who probably came to this country after his first imprisonment at Rome. The writings of Tertullian, and others in the second and third centuries speak of Christianity as having spread as far as the islands of Britain, and a British king named Lucius is known to have embraced the Faith about the middle of
John Henry Blunt—A Key to the Knowledge of Church History

Philip, the Evangelist
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. Philip the Evangelist must be carefully distinguished from Philip the Apostle. And though it is little that we are told regarding him in Scripture, that little is very significant. He first comes before us as one of the seven chosen by the early Church at Jerusalem to take charge of the daily ministration of charity to the poor widows (Acts vi. I ff.). And when this work is hindered by the outbreak of persecution following on the death of Stephen, we find him
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether Sanctifying Grace is Bestowed in this Sacrament?
Objection 1: It seems that sanctifying grace is not bestowed in this sacrament. For sanctifying grace is ordained against sin. But this sacrament, as stated above [4492](A[6]) is given only to the baptized, who are cleansed from sin. Therefore sanctifying grace is not bestowed in this sacrament. Objection 2: Further, sinners especially need sanctifying grace, by which alone can they be justified. If, therefore, sanctifying grace is bestowed in this sacrament, it seems that it should be given to those
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Only a Bishop Can Confer this Sacrament?
Objection 1: It seems that not only a bishop can confer this sacrament. For Gregory (Regist. iv), writing to Bishop Januarius, says: "We hear that some were scandalized because we forbade priests to anoint with chrism those who have been baptized. Yet in doing this we followed the ancient custom of our Church: but if this trouble some so very much we permit priests, where no bishop is to be had, to anoint the baptized on the forehead with chrism." But that which is essential to the sacraments should
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness Proved, and their True Character Explained.
1. Connection of the present discussion with that concerning Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Impiety of the popish teachers in attributing more to human rites than to the ordinances of God. 2. Men cannot institute sacraments. Necessary to keep up a distinction between sacraments and other ceremonies. 3. Seven sacraments not to be found in ecclesiastical writers. Augustine, who may represent all the others, acknowledged two sacraments only. 4. Nature of confirmation in ancient times. The laying on
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

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