Simon the Magician

9 Now a man named Simon had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, declaring himself to be someone great. 10 From the least to the greatest, [fn]they paid close attention to him, saying, “This man is the [fn]great power of God.” 11 They all paid close attention to him because he had amazed them with his magical arts for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed. After he was baptized, he kept close company with Philip and was amazed as he saw [fn]miracles and signs taking place.

14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John. 15 These two went down and prayed for the Samaritan believers to receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for the Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of [fn]Christ Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands on the Samaritan believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 When Simon saw that the [fn]Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give this power to me as well, so that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May yoʋr silver be destroyed with yoʋ, because yoʋ thought yoʋ could acquire the gift of God with money! 21 Yoʋ have no share or portion in this matter, for yoʋr heart is not right before God. 22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yoʋrs, and plead with [fn]God in the hope that the intention of yoʋr heart might be forgiven yoʋ. 23 For I see that yoʋ are bitterly envious and in bondage to unrighteousness.” 24 In response Simon said, “Pray to [fn]the Lord for me so that nothing you have said will happen to me.”

25 After Peter and John had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the good news in many villages of the Samaritans as they went.