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OPEN BOOK – HINTS FROM THE SPIRIT OF HOLINESS: THE APOSTLES VISIT AND CALL SIMON TO REPENTANCE

BRUCE C WEARNE writes about an incident in which Simon, the magician, is sharply rebuked for offering to pay for prayer for the Holy Spirit… 

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they despatched Peter and John to them, and they came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for as yet He had not come down upon any of them, since they had only been baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then, when they laid their hands on them they (indeed) received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that it was (indeed) by the laying on of the apostles’ hands that the Spirit was given, he (quickly) offered payment, saying, “Grant me this power so that anyone on whom I place my hands may receive this Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May you and your silver be totally consumed (in fiery judgement) because of the mere thought that you could receive any of God’s gifts by paying for it! (This demonstrates) you are not a part of this. You are not sharing in it (as you might), because (simply put) your heart is not right before God. From this wickedness of yours you must repent, and pray to the Lord so that, if it be possible, the (evil) intent (deep) in your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are living with a bitter poison and entrapped by (an inner rule of) unrighteousness.” And Simon’s answer was this, “Do pray to the Lord on my behalf, that nothing of what you have said may befall me.” Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the Gospel (along the way) in many villages of the Samaritans. (Acts 8:14-25/transliteration by Bruce C Wearne)
 

REJECTED: Simon’s offer to pay for prayer for the Holy Spirit received a sharp rebuke from Peter and, says Bruce Wearne, illustrates where the former magician’s heart was at. PICTURE: Sufi Nawaz/www.freeimages.com


IN A NUTSHELL

Peter puts Simon right, having discovered the Magician’s intention to make a living by buying into the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Philip’s work then became known back in Jerusalem. So the apostles decided that Peter and John should pay them a visit, so that the believers in Samaria would also receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

This was an important and historic visit. The new church at this point was caught up in a new phase of God’s own dealings with God’s own people. These Samaritans,baptised into the name of the Jesus, were to be completely united with believers in Jerusalem. Believers in “the Christ” are united in the same Holy Spirit. The church in Samaria and the church in Jerusalem would be one.

When this happened, Simon, the former magician, couldn’t help himself. His instinct was to see it as magic that had to be mastered. So he offered money to Peter. We can imagine Simon’s pious devotion; but Peter’s reply leaves us in no doubt. Simon had affronted God’s Holy Spirit and was in grave danger. Peter confronted him head on: “You are living with bitter poison, entrapped by unrighteousness.”

But Simon believed. He had been baptised. His instincts, still bound to his magic, meant he was pointed to a life of prayer. Peter referred him to Isaiah 58:6. A true fast means loosening bonds of oppression so people can go free. Quite simply that meant no more magic!

To be Jesus’ disciple means there can be no half measures. It’s either repentance or bitterness, trying to grasp what cannot be purchased. It’s either God’s power to release you or a power trip on the road to destruction. Simon indicated his desire to keep to the disciple’s path; it would be tough. He is remembered for asking Peter and John to pray for him.

Peter and John returned to Jerusalem visiting many Samaritan villages on the way. Led by the Holy Spirit they could now do what they could not when Jesus was on His way up to Jerusalem. This was the time for Isaiah’s fast to be proclaimed. In those Samaritan towns, the bonds had well and truly been loosened.

Got a verse or a short passage you’d like us to look at? Just send an email to [email protected].

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