Acts 8:4-23 New Living Translation
4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. 5 Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. 6 Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. 7 Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.
9 A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. 10 Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as “the Great One—the Power of God.” 11 They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.
12 But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed.
14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15 As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. 19 “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!”
20 But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! 21 You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. 22 Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, 23 for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.”
There is an ARROGANCE and EGO, a desire for POWER without PROCESS, and a LORDSHIP of MONEY.
ARROGANCE + EGO
Acts 8:9 New Living Translation
9 A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great.
Acts 8:18 New Living Translation
18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power.
Acts 8:23 New Living Translation
23 for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.”
Pride: Admiration of your achievements
Ego: Admiration of yourself
Arrogance: Because of the first two, I’m better than everyone
Vanity: Everyone else is worthless
Matthew 16:24-25 New Living Translation
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
HE WANTED POWER WITH NO PROCESS
Acts 8:12-13 New Living Translation
12 But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed.
Acts 8:18-19 New Living Translation
18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. 19 “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!”
Acts 8:20 New Living Translation
20 But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought!
Just in Acts:
Jesus ascend
Peter preaches about Judas betraying (ch1)
Nominated another apostle
Pentecost happens (HS falls)
Peter preaches to the crowd
Peter heals a crippled beggar
Preaches in the temple to opposing crowd
Peter and John go before the council
They’re silenced by them
They said no way
The council threatened them further
Peter confronts Ananias and Sapphira
Perform more miracles
High priests get jealous and throw them in jail
Faced a death threat from the high council
Rearranged the church leadership (Acts 6)
Saw stephen get killed for his faith at the hands of Paul
Colossians 3:23 New Living Translation
23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
LORDSHIP OF MONEY
Acts 8:20-23 New Living Translation
20 But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! 21 You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. 22 Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, 23 for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.”
Luke 18:22-23 New Living Translation
22 When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
23 But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.