Acts 8: Bad News/Good News part 3

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he

offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay

my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 8:18-19 New International Version

In Acts chapter 8, the “bad” magician Simon responds to the good news of Jesus and

becomes a Christian. But as is the case with all of us, he still has a lot to learn. And the

old way of thinking often seeps back in. It becomes more bad news.

Previously Simon made a living by selling his “powers” as a magician. He assumes that

is the way it works with the things of God. So he offers the apostles money to purchase

the power of the Holy Spirit. Before you laugh at him for that, consider that having the

Spirit is a good thing. It’s not like his heart is set on evil. But he misunderstands how

God works. God’s spirit, power, love, forgiveness and salvation cannot be bought.

They all come as a free gift. Jesus has already paid the price for all of that and offers it

to us freely.

So, Peter harshly reprimands Simon. “May your money perish with you, because you

thought you could buy the gift of God with money! (Acts 8:20). And he piles on, calling

him wicked, bitter, captive to sin, and saying that Simon has no part in Jesus’ ministry

anymore. Obviously, Peter is passionate about this issue, but he seems to be a bit

carried away in his response to this new Christian. I would expect Simon to be offended

and maybe even reject Christianity. That would be more bad news.

But instead Simon receives the correction and asks Peter to pray for him (verse 24).

Good news indeed. Do you willingly receive correction as you grow in faith? Are you

open to hearing what a brother or sister might say as they speak the truth in love? If so,

that is very good news. We all have room to grow in our faith. In honestly looking at

our faults and misunderstandings we can seek the prayers of others to help us in that

growth.

Mark Miller