Acts 8:21-23 NLT,NIV,ESV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 8:14-25

God had wonderfully owned Philip in his work as an evangelist at Samaria, but he could do no more than an evangelist; there were some peculiar powers reserved to the apostles, for the keeping up of the dignity of their office, and here we have an account of what was done by two of them there?Peter and John. The twelve kept together at Jerusalem (Acts 8:1), and thither these good tidings were brought them that Samaria had received the word of God (Acts 8:14), that a great harvest of souls was... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 8:14-25

8:14-25 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they despatched Peter and John to them. They came down and prayed for them, so that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for as yet the Holy Spirit had fallen on no one. It was in the name of the Lord Jesus that they had been baptized. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he brought... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 8:21

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter ,.... Or business of the gift of the Holy Ghost; signifying, that as he had not the grace of the Spirit of God implanted in him, so he should not have any of the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on him; and much less a power of communicating them to others, through laying on of hands: or "in this word"; the word of the Gospel, preached by the apostles; and in any of the blessings published in it, as the forgiveness of sins, a justifying... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 8:22

Repent therefore of this thy wickedness ,.... For a great piece of wickedness it was, to offer money for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and to imagine, that could be purchased with money; and what made the wickedness still greater was, the evil design he had in this, to advance himself in opposition to Christ and his apostles, as he afterwards did; and when the apostle puts him upon repentance, his view is to show the heinousness of his crime, the need he stood in of repentance, and that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 8:23

For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness ,.... Alluding to Deuteronomy 29:18 with which compare Hebrews 12:15 and signifying, that he was in a state of nature and unregeneracy; under the power and dominion of covetousness, ambition, and hypocrisy; and in a way pernicious to himself, infectious to others, and ungrateful to God, and to good men; and that instead of the root of the matter, the truth of grace being in him, there was nothing in him but the bitter root of sin;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:21

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter - Thou hast no part among the faithful, and no lot in this ministry. That the word κληρος , which we translate lot, is to be understood as implying a spiritual portion, office, etc., see proved in the note on Numbers 26:55 ; (note). Thy heart is not right - It is not through motives of purity, benevolence, or love to the souls of men, that thou desirest to be enabled to confer the Holy Ghost; it is through pride, vain glory, and love of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:22

Repent therefore of this thy wickedness - St. Peter did not suppose his case to be utterly hopeless; though his sin, considered in its motives and objects, was of the most heinous kind. If perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee - His sin, as yet, only existed in thought and purpose; and therefore it is said, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:23

The gall of bitterness - A Hebraism for excessive bitterness: gall, wormwood, and such like, were used to express the dreadful effects of sin in the soul; the bitter repentance, bitter regret, bitter sufferings, bitter death, etc., etc., which it produces. In Deuteronomy 29:18 , idolatry and its consequences are expressed, by having among them a root that beareth Gall and Wormwood. And in Hebrews 12:15 , some grievous sin is intended, when the apostle warns them, lest any root of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:21

Verse 21 21.Thou hast no part. Some do frame this sentence otherwise, that Simon is not partaker of grace, because he setteth a price thereof. But the other reading which we have followed is more usual, to wit, that that reason be joined to the former member. And surely it is better to knit the two sentences together, thus, Thy money perish with thee, because thou thinkest that the inestimable gift of the Spirit can be bought with money. Whereas the old interpreter had put, in this word;... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:22

Verse 22 22.Repent, therefore. Whereas he exhorteth him unto repentance and prayer, he putteth him in some hope of pardon thereby; for no man shall ever be touched with any desire of repentance, save only he which shall believe that God will have mercy upon him; on the other side, despair will always carry men headlong unto boldness. Furthermore, the Scripture teacheth that God is not called upon aright save only by faith. Therefore, we see how Peter raiseth up Simon now unto hope of salvation,... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 8:14-25

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 8:14-25

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 8:21

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 8:22

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 8:23

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:21

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:22

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:23

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:21

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 8:22

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