The Scriptures record that following the martyrdom of Stephen “there arose a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they [believers] were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria…and went about preaching the word. And Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed unto them Christ” (Acts 8:1, 4-5). Luke relates that great multitudes gave heed to Philip’s message and, as a result, “there was much joy in that city” (Acts 8:8).
“Now when the apostles [in Jerusalem] heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:14-15). The Scriptures then tell us that Peter and John “laid their hands on them, and they [Samaritan believers] received the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:17). Philip had preached the gospel, the people of Samaria believed on Christ, and the Holy Spirit was given to all who believed through the ministry of Peter and John. The gift of the Holy Spirit is the genuine evidence of the new birth. This same John later wrote “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit” (I John 4:13).
But there was a man there, Simon, who “used sorcery and amazed the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one, to whom they all gave heed” (Acts 8:9). He was quite taken with the results that the gospel ministry had on the people of Samaria and wanted to share in it. In fact, after observing that the Holy Spirit was given by laying on of the apostles’ hands, “he offered them money, saying, give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:19).
How foolish to think that the gift of God could be purchased with money. Peter rightly told Simon “Thy money perish with thee…for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness” (Acts 8:21-22). This event gave us the word “simony” used today to refer to the buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges such as pardon for sins. It was foolish in Peter’s time and it is foolish today. Yet there are many who still think they can buy their way into heaven.
Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived (other than Christ himself), testified, “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death” (Proverbs 11:4). The Psalmist is just as pointed. “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him…that he should still live forever and not see corruption” (Psalm 49:6-9).
The gift of God cannot be purchased, but it is free to all who believe for the price has been paid by God himself. This payment was not with “corruptible things, as silver and gold…but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (I Peter 1:18-19). Have you received God’s free gift?
From the Chaplain 