Topical Encyclopedia The New Testament provides clear instruction that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit are not commodities to be bought or sold. This principle is most vividly illustrated in the account of Simon the Sorcerer in the Book of Acts. Simon, a former practitioner of sorcery in Samaria, became a believer and was baptized after witnessing the signs and great miracles performed by Philip (Acts 8:9-13).When the apostles Peter and John arrived in Samaria to lay hands on the new believers so they might receive the Holy Spirit, Simon observed that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands. Motivated by a desire to possess this power, Simon offered them money, saying, "Give me this power as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:19). Peter's response to Simon is a stern rebuke that underscores the gravity of attempting to purchase the gifts of God. Peter declared, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God" (Acts 8:20-21). This response highlights that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are divine in origin and cannot be acquired through human means or financial transactions. Peter further admonished Simon to repent of his wickedness and pray for forgiveness, indicating that his request revealed a heart not aligned with God's will (Acts 8:22-23). This incident serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are bestowed according to God's sovereign will and purpose, not human desire or manipulation. The broader biblical context supports this understanding. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, describes the distribution of spiritual gifts as an act of divine grace, given "for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7). Paul explains that the Holy Spirit distributes these gifts individually as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11), reinforcing the notion that they are not subject to human control or acquisition. The attempt to purchase spiritual gifts reflects a misunderstanding of their nature and purpose. These gifts are manifestations of God's power and presence, intended to edify the Church and advance the Gospel. They are not tools for personal gain or status, and any attempt to commercialize them is a grave error. In summary, the biblical narrative and apostolic teaching make it clear that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit are not to be bought or sold. They are divine endowments, given freely by God to accomplish His purposes, and must be received with humility and reverence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 8:20But Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Foundation of the Church among the Jews The Power of the Holy Ghost The Abiding Gift and Its Transitory Accompaniments Final Perseverance The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved in So Far as ... Shewing How a Principle of Grace is from the Spirit of God. " On Religion; the Natural and Divine Life; and the Exemplification ... Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ... The History of Simon Magus. The Duty of Self-Denial. Resources What is the spiritual gift of miracles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the International House of Prayer (IHOP)? | GotQuestions.org Why do so many people seek after signs and wonders? | GotQuestions.org Miraculous: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of Related Terms |
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