John Calvin 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)

And when Simon. Simon’s hypocrisy is now discovered. This is not because he had previously pretended to believe, for when he was convicted, he earnestly pledged allegiance to Christ. Many yield to the gospel in this way, lest they strive against God, but in the meantime, they remain unchanged. However, self-denial ought to follow true faith.

And this is mixing Christ with Satan, when doctrine does not pierce to the hidden affections of the heart, but the inward uncleanness lies hidden there. Therefore, God now wipes away that false appearance in Simon, lest by professing the name of Christ, he deceive both himself and others.

For that ambition which was hidden before now breaks out, when he desires to be equal with the apostles. This is one vice. Another is that, because he thinks the grace of God is to be sold, he intends to get some greedy gain from it. From this it appears that he is a profane man and one who had not tasted the first principles of godliness. For he is touched by no desire for God’s glory; indeed, he does not even consider what it is to be a minister of God.

Just as he had previously profited from his magic, so he thought it would be profitable if he could give the graces of the Spirit. For undoubtedly he hunted for riches and sought to buy praise in the sight of the world. He also did God great injury, because he thought that this heavenly power was no different from his magical enchantments.

Now we briefly understand in what ways Simon offended, and how numerous his offenses were. Regarding the gifts of the Spirit, he neither adores nor acknowledges the power of Christ. He does not confess that the apostles were endowed with heavenly power to set forth Christ’s glory by their ministry. His own ambition drives and carries him headlong, so that he desires to become preeminent. And seeking to make the world subject to himself while disregarding God, he wants to buy the Holy Ghost, as if He could be bought with money.