Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 8:14-25

"Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit: for as yet it was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles` hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said unto him, Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee. For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. And Simon answered and said, Pray ye for me to the Lord, that none of the things which ye have spoken come upon me. They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans." — Acts 8:14-25 (ASV)

The Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of these converts with the extraordinary powers conveyed by the Spirit's descent on the day of Pentecost. We can take encouragement from this example to pray for God to give the renewing graces of the Holy Spirit to all for whose spiritual welfare we are concerned, as this includes all blessings. No one can impart the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands; however, we should use our best efforts to instruct those for whom we pray.

Simon Magus was ambitious to have the honour of an apostle but did not care at all to have the spirit and disposition of a Christian. He was more desirous of gaining honour for himself than of doing good to others. Peter showed him his crime. He valued the wealth of this world as if it could suffice for matters related to the next life, and could purchase the pardon of sin, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life.

This was such a condemning error that it was utterly inconsistent with a state of grace. Our hearts are what they are in the sight of God, who cannot be deceived. And if they are not right in his sight, our religion is vain and will be of no use to us. A proud and covetous heart cannot be right with God.

It is possible for a person to continue under the power of sin, yet to put on a form of godliness. When tempted with money to do evil, recognize what a perishable thing money is, and scorn it. Do not think that Christianity is a trade to make a living by in this world. There is much wickedness in the thought of the heart—its false notions, corrupt affections, and wicked projects—which must be repented of, or we are undone.

But it will be forgiven upon our repentance. The doubt here concerns the sincerity of Simon's repentance, not his pardon, if his repentance was sincere. Grant us, Lord, a different kind of faith than that which only made Simon wonder and did not sanctify his heart. May we abhor all thoughts of making religion serve the purposes of pride or ambition.

And keep us from that subtle poison of spiritual pride, which seeks glory for itself even from humility. May we seek only the honour that comes from God.