20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” 24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” 25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
8:20
But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!
The reception of the Spirit is a “gift of God” (Acts 2:38; 10:45). It cannot be monetarily purchased.
8:21
You have neither part nor portion in this matter [word],
Simon could have no role in ministry with a heart full of greed.
for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
Simon’s heart was out of whack with God. Ministry is, at its foundation, a serving endeavor and is not what one may obtain for themselves.
8:22
Repent therefore of this your wickedness,
Peter offered Simon a chance to repent as a believer. The New Testament does not indicate that he did.
and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
Peter asked Simon to confess his sins, especially sins of greed that sprang from his heart.
8:23
For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”
Simon’s sin was rooted in “bitterness,” which was captured by “iniquity.” Those two issues were where his repentance needed to take place.
8:24
Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”
Simon responded with humility by asking Peter to pray for him, indicating he was a genuine believer.
8:25
So when they [Peter and John] had testified and preached the word of the Lord,
Peter and John both testified and preached in Samaria and then moved to other areas in that region.
they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
By preaching in “many villages of the Samaritans,” the two apostles further confirmed the ministry beyond Jewish communities. They not only endorsed the mission but they participated in it themselves.
PRINCIPLE:
Those in ministry need to keep the integrity of their heart right with God.
APPLICATION:
Lack of integrity in ministry renders it void. As the apostles “testified,” they gave credibility to their message. A message without a correspondent speaks negatively about the truth itself. It proclaims the message as something without veracity. People will conclude it is not valid for them.
