Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 8:18

"Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles` hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money," — Acts 8:18 (ASV)

Simon saw, etc. That is, he witnessed the extraordinary effects, the power of speaking in a miraculous manner, etc. (See Barnes on Acts 8:15).

He offered them money. He had had a remarkable influence over the Samaritans, and he saw that the possession of this power would perpetuate and increase his influence.

People commonly employ the tricks of legerdemain for the purpose of making money; and it seems probable that such had been the design of Simon. He saw that if he could communicate to others this power, if he could confer on them the talent of speaking other languages, it could be turned to great profit, and he therefore sought to purchase it from the apostles.

From this act of Simon, we have derived our word simony, which denotes the buying and selling of ecclesiastical preferment or church offices where religion is supported by the state. This act of Simon shows conclusively that he was influenced by improper motives in becoming connected with the church.