The Spirit Is Not For Sale - Acts 7-8

Acts 8:17-24 (ESV)

Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

Imagine being in the early church during the time of the Spirit of God’s outward manifestation of miracles.   God has always used miracles and signs and wonders during times of transition.   He did it for Moses coming out of Egypt.  He did it for Joshua coming into the promise land.  He did it for the prophets during times of disobedience.  He did it for Jesus during His early ministry.  He is doing in the above passage for the early church.  Every time God uses signs and wonders it is to demonstrate His presence and blessing on that time.  We can imagine why Simon wanted to have this power.   Remember, he was saved out of the world of magic.  Simon was one of the first motivational gurus.  Note:

Acts 8:9-11 (ESV)

But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.

Philip corrects him with a deep diagnosis and a firm warning.   God knows our hearts and tells His servants to speak to them.  When we see God’s Spirit work we will want that power and fruit in our lives.  But it comes from the Spirit moving, not our purchasing Him.