Acts 8:14-25 · Bible study
Acts 8:14-25 Commentary: Apostolic Order and the Gift of the Spirit
Greek · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Study of Acts 8:14-25: why Peter and John went to Samaria, the laying on of hands, the Holy Spirit, and Simon Magus' error.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The apostles confirm and unite the Samaritan converts through prayer and laying on of hands, while confronting Simon’s attempt to buy God’s gift.
- Key words: ἐπιπίπτω (epipiptō, ‘fall upon’, used of the Spirit); δωρεά (dōrea, ‘free gift’, God’s grace cannot be purchased); μετὰνοια (metanoia, ‘repentance’, the needed response).
- Main debate: Whether the Samaritans already had the Spirit’s saving grace (Gill) or lacked any gift of the Spirit until the apostles came (some Protestant traditions).
- Theological theme: The unity and authority of the apostolic church; the sovereignty of the Spirit; the danger of simony.
- Best use: A classic text for teaching on church order, spiritual gifts, and the nature of genuine conversion.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
15On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.
16For the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
17Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money.
19“Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!
21You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God.
22Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart.
23For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity.”
24Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me, so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”
25And after Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many of the Samaritan villages.
WEB World English Bible 2000
14Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
15who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;
16for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus.
17Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,
19saying, “Give me also this power, that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
21You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before God.
22Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
23For I see that you are in the poison of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.”
24Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things which you have spoken happen to me.”
25They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages of the Samaritans.
KJV King James Version 1769
14Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
23For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
24Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
25And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
14Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit:
16for as yet it was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
17Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
19saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.
20But Peter said unto him, Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money.
21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right before God.
22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee.
23For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.
24And Simon answered and said, Pray ye for me to the Lord, that none of the things which ye have spoken come upon me.
25They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
14And the apostles in Jerusalem having heard that Samaria hath received the word of God, did send unto them Peter and John,
15who having come down did pray concerning them, that they may receive the Holy Spirit, --
16for as yet he was fallen upon none of them, and only they have been baptized--to the name of the Lord Jesus;
17then were they laying hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18And Simon, having beheld that through the laying on of the hands of the apostles, the Holy Spirit is given, brought before them money,
19saying, `Give also to me this authority, that on whomsoever I may lay the hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.'
20And Peter said unto him, `Thy silver with thee--may it be to destruction! because the gift of God thou didst think to possess through money;
21thou hast neither part nor lot in this thing, for thy heart is not right before God;
22reform, therefore, from this thy wickedness, and beseech God, if then the purpose of thy heart may be forgiven thee,
23for in the gall of bitterness, and bond of unrighteousness, I perceive thee being.'
24And Simon answering, said, `Beseech ye for me unto the Lord, that nothing may come upon me of the things ye have spoken.'
25They indeed, therefore, having testified fully, and spoken the word of the Lord, did turn back to Jerusalem; in many villages also of the Samaritans they did proclaim good news.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
14And the apostles who were in Jerusalem, having heard that Samaria had received the word of God, sent to them Peter and John;
15who, having come down, prayed for them that they might receive [the] Holy Spirit;
16for he was not yet fallen upon any of them, only they were baptised to the name of the Lord Jesus.
17Then they laid their hands upon them, and they received [the] Holy Spirit.
18But Simon, having seen that by the laying on of the hands of the apostles the [Holy] Spirit was given, offered them money,
19saying, Give to me also this power, in order that on whomsoever I may lay hands he may receive [the] Holy Spirit.
20And Peter said to him, Thy money go with thee to destruction, because thou hast thought that the gift of God can be obtained by money.
21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter, for thy heart is not upright before God.
22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and supplicate the Lord, if indeed the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee;
23for I see thee to be in the gall of bitterness, and bond of unrighteousness.
24And Simon answering said, Supplicate ye for me to the Lord, so that nothing may come upon me of the things of which ye have spoken.
25They therefore, having testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and announced the glad tidings to many villages of the Samaritans.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
14Now, when the apostles, who were in Jerusalem, had heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John.
15Who, when they were come, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost.
16For he was not as yet come upon any of them: but they were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
17Then they laid their hands upon them: and they received the Holy Ghost.
18And when Simon saw that, by the imposition of the hands of the apostles, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19Saying: Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I shall lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said to him:
20Keep thy money to thyself, to perish with thee: because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21Thou hast no part nor lot in this matter. For thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22Do penance therefore for this thy wickedness: and pray to God, that perhaps this thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee.
23For I see thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity.
24Then Simon answering, said: Pray you for me to the Lord that none of these things which you have spoken may come upon me.
25And they indeed, having testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem: and preached the gospel to many countries of the Samaritans.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · Acts 8:14
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that the sending of Peter and John from Jerusalem was an act of apostolic oversight rather than supremacy. As Lange notes, the apostles deputed two from among their number, and this mission ‘unquestionably conferred distinction’ while also showing that no single apostle was elevated above the college. Barnes and Clarke both stress that the decision was collective, there was no president of the council. The passage thus refutes later claims to Peter’s primacy, as Calvin, Wesley, and Jamieson-Fausset-Brown also observe.
On the gift of the Holy Spirit, the consensus holds that the Samaritans had believed and been baptized (Acts 8:12-13) but had not yet received the Spirit in the visible, miraculous manifestations that accompanied apostolic laying on of hands. Gill distinguishes between the Spirit’s regenerating work (already present in the converts) and the extraordinary gifts that were conferred through the apostles. Vincent points out that the imperfect verb ἦν (‘he was fallen’) indicates a state that had not occurred. The laying on of hands was the outward sign of prayer for this gift, as the Cambridge Bible notes.
Simon’s offer to buy this power is universally condemned. The term ‘simony’ derives from this event. Peter’s rebuke, ‘thy money perish with thee’, is understood as conditional on repentance, as Barnes and the Geneva Bible underscore. Simon’s request for prayer rather than personal repentance shows a lack of genuine contrition, according to Matthew Henry and Calvin.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Delay of charismatic gifts: The Samaritans had saving faith but lacked the visible gifts of the Spirit, which were granted only through the apostles (Gill, Cambridge Bible).
- Delay of all reception of the Spirit: The Samaritans had not received the Holy Spirit at all, even for regeneration, until the apostles came (Barnes, Calvin).
- Simon Magus as false convert: Simon's 'faith' was temporary and based on miracles, not heart change; he was never truly saved (Barnes, Matthew Henry).
- Simon as weak believer who sinned grievously: His request for prayer suggests some fear of God, and Peter's call to repentance implies possibility of forgiveness (Calvin, Wesley).
What is clear: The gift of the Holy Spirit cannot be obtained by money or human transaction; God's grace is free and requires a heart that is right before Him.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Whether the Samaritans had the Holy Spirit before the apostles came | All agree that the Samaritans had believed and were baptized, but had not received the Holy Spirit in the visible, charismatic way that occurred through the apostles' laying on of hands (v.16). | Some commentators (Gill) argue the Samaritans already possessed the Spirit's regenerating and sanctifying work, only lacking the extraordinary gifts. Others (Barnes, Calvin) hold that they had not yet received any gift of the Spirit, even saving grace, until the apostles came. |
| The nature of Simon's 'faith' | All agree Simon was amazed by the miracles and professed belief, but his subsequent offer reveals a heart not right with God. | Some (Calvin) see Simon as a true but weak convert who fell into sin. Others (Barnes, Matthew Henry) view him as an unconverted hypocrite from the start, whose 'faith' was only mental assent. |
| The role of apostolic authority in the laying on of hands | All affirm that the laying on of hands by the apostles was the means through which the Holy Spirit was given in this instance, and that it established the Samaritans' connection to the Jerusalem church. | Catholic and Orthodox traditions see this as an early form of the sacrament of confirmation, where the bishop completes baptism. Protestant traditions generally view it as a temporary apostolic function, not a permanent sacrament. |
| Peter's curse: absolute or conditional? | All recognize the severity of Peter's words ('Thy money perish with thee') as expressing horror at Simon's sin. | Some (Barnes, the Geneva Bible) interpret the curse as conditional: Simon would perish only if he did not repent. Others (Clarke, Calvin) see it as a declaration of the consequence already upon him, with hope extended through the call to repentance in v.22. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Samaria was historically a region of ethnic and religious tension with the Jews. The Samaritans were descendants of Israelites who intermarried with foreign settlers after the Assyrian conquest (2 Kings 17). They had their own temple on Mount Gerizim, held only the Pentateuch as Scripture, and were regarded by Jews as heretics and outsiders (John 4:9). In Acts 8, Philip’s mission to Samaria represented a crucial step in the gospel’s advance beyond Jerusalem and Judea (Acts 1:8). That ‘Samaria had received the word of God’ (v.14) was therefore a momentous report for the Jerusalem church.
The apostles had remained in Jerusalem during the persecution that scattered other believers (Acts 8:1). Their decision to send Peter and John signals the importance of maintaining unity across this ethnic divide. As Lange puts it, the evangelization of Samaria constituted ‘an epoch’ because of their unique religious position. Sending two leading apostles displayed confidence in the Samaritan converts and guarded against any future rift between Jewish and Samaritan Christians.
The phrase ‘he had fallen upon none of them’ (v.16) echoes OT language of the Spirit coming upon judges and prophets (Judges 3:10; 1 Samuel 10:6) and matches later accounts like the Spirit falling on Cornelius’s household (Acts 10:44; 11:15). The laying on of hands was a familiar act of blessing and commissioning (Numbers 27:18-23; Acts 6:6). In this context, it mediated the visible, charismatic gifts of the Spirit, often accompanied by speaking in tongues and prophecy, that confirmed the apostolic message and unified the Jewish and Samaritan believers in a common experience.
Simon, known as Simon Magus, was a well-known figure in early Christian tradition as the arch-heretic who sought to corrupt the gospel with magic. Justin Martyr and Irenaeus later write of him. His offer to buy apostolic power reflects his background in sorcery and his desire to maintain influence. Peter’s stern response protects the integrity of the gospel mission.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for Acts 8:14-25 that affect interpretation. The passage is well-attested across the major manuscript traditions, with minor differences in word order or conjunction choice (e.g., τε vs. δέ in v.25) that do not alter the meaning. Vincent observes that the Greek preposition into the name (εἰς τὸ ὄνομα) in v.16 is the same as Matthew 28:19, indicating the baptismal formula.
Reception History
The most notable contribution of this passage to church tradition is the term simony, derived from Simon Magus (v.18). Early Christian writers such as Justin Martyr (1 Apology 26) and Irenaeus (Against Heresies 1.23) identify Simon as the founder of a Gnostic sect, making him the archetype of heresy in the post‑apostolic period. The passage has also been central to debates about the primacy of Peter. Lange’s commentary explicitly refutes the Roman Catholic doctrine of Peter’s supremacy by noting that Peter was sent as a subordinate to the apostolic college. In the Reformation era, both Protestant and Catholic interpreters used this text to discuss the nature of ordination and the transmission of spiritual gifts. The story of Simon continues to serve as a warning against the commodification of ministry, featured in sermons and writings across traditions as a caution against treating divine grace as a purchasable commodity.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Apostolic oversight and unity, The Jerusalem church sends Peter and John to confirm and incorporate the Samaritan converts (vv.14-15). This shows that the early church valued connection and accountability across ethnic lines.
- The gift of the Spirit through the apostles, The Samaritans had believed and been baptized, but receiving the Holy Spirit in a visible way came through prayer and laying on of hands (vv.15-17). This highlights the Spirit’s sovereignty and the unique role of the apostles in this transitional period.
- Sin and repentance: the danger of treating grace as a commodity, Simon’s attempt to buy spiritual power (vv.18-19) is met with Peter’s warning about the ‘gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity’ (v.23). True discipleship cannot be purchased; it requires a heart right before God.
Five-point outline
- Hearing the news of faith (v.14), The apostles respond with pastoral concern, not suspicion.
- Prayer for the Spirit’s fullness (v.15), Peter and John pray for what Philip’s ministry had not yet supplied.
- Laying on of hands (v.17), An outward sign of the inward gift, linking the Samaritan church to the apostolic foundation.
- Confronting hypocrisy (vv.18-23), Simon’s offer reveals a heart still captive to sin.
- Continuing the mission (v.25), Peter and John preach the gospel in many Samaritan villages, extending the work.
Illustration hooks
- The first-time visitor, A new believer is welcomed into a church that sends a care package and a visit from the pastor. That intentional connection mirrors the apostles’ concern for the Samaritans.
- Buying a shortcut, A student offers to pay for an answer key instead of studying. Simon wanted the power without the transformation. Grace cannot be obtained by any human transaction.
- Two witnesses, In a legal dispute, two credible witnesses confirm the truth. Peter and John’s joint mission affirms that God’s work in Samaria was genuine and complete.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Is there still a role for the laying on of hands today? Different traditions view this differently, some see it as a sacrament of ordination, others as a practice for prayer and blessing.
- Does this passage teach that baptism alone is insufficient? Christians have debated whether the Samaritans had the Spirit’s inner work already. The text focuses on the outward, charismatic gift.
- Can someone be in the church but not right with God? Simon was baptized and amazed by miracles, yet Peter says his heart is not right. This calls for self-examination and humility.
Leading a Discussion
This passage shows how the early church navigated a major expansion, from Jewish believers to Samaritans. It raises questions about spiritual authority, the work of the Holy Spirit, and what it means to be part of God's people. As you discuss, consider how the church today can both celebrate new growth and maintain healthy connection.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think the apostles in Jerusalem sent Peter and John to Samaria? What does this say about how they viewed the spread of the gospel? (See Acts 8:1, 14.)
- Notice that Philip had already preached and baptized, but the Holy Spirit had not yet ‘fallen’ on the Samaritans. How do you understand the difference between the Spirit’s work in conversion and what happened when the apostles came? (See vv.15-17 and cross-references Acts 10:44, 11:15.)
- Simon had believed and been baptized (v.13), but later his heart is exposed as ‘not right before God.’ What does this tell us about the condition of the heart alongside outward confession?
- Peter’s words to Simon are very harsh: ‘May your silver perish with you.’ Why is the attempt to buy spiritual power so serious? What does it reveal about our own temptations to treat God’s gifts as commodities?
- Simon asks for prayer but not repentance (v.24). How does his response contrast with Peter’s call to repent (v.22)? What might real repentance look like in this situation?
- The apostles end by preaching in many Samaritan villages (v.25). How does the outcome of this conflict still leave room for hope and mission?
- What can your group learn from this passage about how to respond when someone in the faith community is exposed in sin? How can both truth and love be upheld?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Matthew 13:23 | What was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit and produces, some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.” |
| Luke 22:8 | Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.” |
| John 12:48 | He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke will judge him in the last day. |
| Acts 2:41 | Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls. |
| Acts 3:1 | Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. |
| Acts 3:3 | Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive gifts for the needy. |
| Acts 8:1 | Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. |
| Acts 11:1 | Now the apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
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What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke draws a sharp distinction between the Holy Spirit's work of sanctification, which every believer receives at conversion, and the miraculous gifts conferred by apostolic hands for public ministry. He insists the apostles never dispensed sanctification, only the extraordinary spiritual gifts needed for preaching the gospel.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes emphasizes that Peter and John were sent by the church as equals, proving no apostle held authority over others, which undermines claims of papal primacy. He argues the Holy Spirit here meant miraculous powers, not salvation or sanctification, so this passage does not support confirmation. Simon's attempt to purchase this gift revealed his heart was still captive to sin.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentary emphasizes that Peter and John were sent to Samaria by the decision of the whole twelve, with no one apostle having special preeminence. It also notes the gift of the Holy Spirit in this period was given only through the apostles, not through Philip, and Simon's request reveals he saw it as a purchasable power rather than God's sovereign gift.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill draws a sharp distinction between the Holy Spirit's work of saving grace, which the Samaritans already had, and the extraordinary miraculous gifts that came only through apostolic hands. These gifts, such as speaking in tongues and healing, were visible and temporary, meant to confirm the gospel in that era.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB stresses that the Samaritans' reception of the Holy Spirit through apostolic hands was a superadded gift, distinct from and subsequent to their baptism. This miraculous outpouring, always accompanied by visible manifestations, served to establish the apostles' unique role as the Church's divinely appointed founders, uniting Jew and Samaritan in one body.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry draws a sharp distinction between Philip's work as an evangelist and the apostles' unique office. Philip could preach and baptize, but the power to confer the Holy Spirit through laying on of hands was reserved for Peter and John alone, to uphold the dignity of their apostolic role.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent draws on the Greek to show that Peter's words describe a deliberate, planned offense: "thought" implies a contrived design, and the phrase "gall of bitterness" pictures deep-seated enmity. The "bond of iniquity" is a tight fetter, not a loose association — Simon has fallen into sin as into chains.