Tag: Acts 8
Money and power
Scripture reading for May 15: Acts 8
“Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for He had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you though you could obtain the gift of God with money!”” Acts 8:14-20
The church was growing rapidly and was now growing in Samaria. Jesus had visited their region and the woman at the well had shared Jesus with her fellow Samaritans. Now Philip, the deacon turned evangelist, had preached there and many had been baptized in the Name of Jesus. The apostles in Jerusalem, Peter and John, had come to see this church and build it up. They saw that these believers had not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, although they had been baptized in water. They laid their hands on them and prayed over them to receive the Gift of the Father, the Holy Spirit. Although it doesn’t specifically say, these so filled must have spoken in tongues and were filled with joy and boldness.
Simon, a former sorcerer, who had believed and was baptized watched the apostles. He went to Peter and John with money to purchase the ability to lay hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit. Peter and John rebuked him sharply. God’s Gift is never for sale! His heart was not right and he must quickly repent or perish! The Holy Spirit is received by faith through God’s grace to those who ask. (Luke 11:13)
From this passage, is it possible to have repented, believed, and been baptized in Jesus’ Name and still not be filled with the Holy Spirit? Was it necessary for the apostles to lay hands on them for their reception of the Holy Spirit? How do you know when you have received the Holy Spirit?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your Gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the infilling of the Holy Spirit for empowering us to be a witness and pray effectively. Give me deeper insight into how to pray for those needing this Gift and how to help all believers to be filled. Amen.
Not for sale!
Scripture reading for May 16th: Acts 8
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 8:18-22 “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostle’s 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.” Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.””
In this time of the last days, many false teachers are out for money. They are seeking power, new fads, or something that will help them make money. The apostles encountered Simon who had been making money off of sorcery. Simon saw what the apostles were doing by laying hands on the people and the resulting baptism of the Holy Spirit and he wanted in on the action. He offered money to get this power and was soundly rebuked by Peter for having a heart that was not right with God. Peter emphasized that this power was not for sale at any price! Simon’s best action would be repentance and prayer to God for forgiveness and a right heart!
Observations for over-comers: Beware of those who want the gift of the Holy Spirit for the wrong reasons! Don’t be quick to lay hands on everyone to receive this precious gift of power. Repentance and salvation must come first! “My son, pay attention to My wisdom, listen well to My words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.” (Proverbs 5:1-2)
A gift that’s not for sale!
Scripture reading for May 15th: Acts 8
After the stoning of the deacon, Stephen, a great persecution broke out of believers in Jesus by the Jews. Philip, another of the deacons (Acts 6:5), went to Samaria and preached the Word of Christ there. The Lord worked through him to heal the sick and deliver the demon-possessed.
Among those who heard Philip was a man named Simon, who was a sorcerer. He had super-natural powers from the devil to perform magic, was full of pride and loved attention. Many of his followers heard Philip and believed the Gospel and were saved. Luke records that, “Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and wonders he saw.” (Acts 6:13)
Sometime later, word reached the apostles that the Samaritans had received the Gospel through Philip. They sent Peter and John to check it out. “When they arrived, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit, because the holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, they had simply been baptized into the Name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 6:15-17)
When Simon saw that the gift of the Holy Spirit was transferred by the laying on of the apostle’s hands, he offered them money to obtain this ability! “Peter answered, “may your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord.” (Acts 6:20-22) Simon evidently saw the results of the baptism in the Holy Spirit–speaking in tongues and prophesy! He was motivated by selfish motives, not a desire to minister! How is your heart towards the Lord?