Acts 8:5-24 Philip went down to the city of Samaria [Jew/Gentile race going back to the fall of Israel ca. 722 B.C.] and began proclaiming Christ to them [Philip had a long lasting evangelistic ministry; see Acts 21:8]. 6 The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing [the miracles were intended to gain a hearing for the gospel]. 7 For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed [signs that brought attention to the messenger]. 8 So there was much rejoicing in that city. 9 Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great [The first of three encounters with the occult in the book of Acts; cf. Acts 13:8; 16:16]; 10 and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, "This man is what is called the Great Power of God." 11 And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts [accomplished through demonic power; cf. Ex. 7:11-12; 21-22; 8:6-7]. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ [a person must be born again to enter God's kingdom, whether His spiritual kingdom or His millennial kingdom], they were being baptized, men and women alike. 13 Even Simon himself believed [in Christ]; and after being baptized [an outward act of obedience and public profession of Christ as Savior], he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed. 14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they began laying their hands on them [identifying with them], and they were receiving the Holy Spirit [revealing they too had been accepted by God just as the Jewish believers]. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money [a common worldly practice of buying knowledge or power for personal gain], 19 saying, "Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." [Simon was seeking to monopolize God's power for personal advantage] 20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! [Simon is worldly minded and does not understand grace] 21 "You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. [Governed by selfish pride for personal gain rather than selfless humility for the service of others] 22 "Therefore repent [metanoeo -- aor/act/imp -- change your thinking] of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 "For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness [pikria -- to be bitterly envious of others] and in the bondage of iniquity [Simon was jealous of the Apostle's ability and wanted the power for himself]." 24 But Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."