Acts 8:19

KJV

Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying {G3004}, Give {G1325} me also {G2504} this {G5026} power {G1849}, that {G2443} on {G2007} whomsoever {G3739}{G1437} I lay {G2007} hands {G5495}, he may receive {G2983} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Give this power to me, too,” he said, “so that whoever I place my hands on will receive the Ruach HaKodesh.”

Berean Standard Bible

“Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

American Standard Version

saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:19 captures a pivotal moment in the early church's expansion, revealing Simon the Sorcerer's profound misunderstanding of spiritual authority and the divine nature of the Holy Spirit. Having witnessed the apostles Peter and John impart the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, Simon, still operating from a worldly perspective rooted in his former magical practices, sought to acquire this spiritual "power" for himself, believing it could be bought or transferred as a commodity. This verse sets the stage for Peter's stern rebuke, highlighting the stark contrast between genuine divine gifting and human attempts to manipulate or commercialize sacred spiritual realities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of the gospel's spread beyond Jerusalem, specifically to Samaria. Following Stephen's martyrdom and the ensuing persecution in Jerusalem, Philip the Evangelist travels to Samaria, where he preaches Christ, performs miracles, and casts out demons ([Acts 8:5-8](/acts/8-5-8 "Acts 8:5-8 - Philip's Ministry in Samaria")). Simon, a prominent sorcerer who had long held the Samaritans spellbound with his magical arts and claims of being "some great one" ([Acts 8:9-11](/acts/8-9-11 "Acts 8:9-11 - Simon the Sorcerer's Influence")), witnesses Philip's genuine power, believes, and is baptized ([Acts 8:12-13](/acts/8-12-13 "Acts 8:12-12 - Simon's Conversion and Baptism")). However, the Samaritan converts had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and had not yet received the Holy Spirit. When the apostles Peter and John are sent from Jerusalem to Samaria, they pray for the believers and lay hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit ([Acts 8:14-17](/acts/8-14-17 "Acts 8:14-17 - The Apostles Impart the Holy Spirit")). It is upon witnessing this unique apostolic impartation that Simon makes his audacious offer in [Acts 8:19](/acts/8-19 "Acts 8:19 - Simon's Offer to Buy Spiritual Power"), revealing his deeply flawed understanding of God's gifts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samaria, a region historically at odds with Judea due to ethnic and religious differences, represents a significant step in the early church's mission to "the uttermost part of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). The arrival of Peter and John from Jerusalem served to validate the Samaritan believers and integrate them into the broader Christian community, ensuring unity and apostolic oversight. In the ancient world, magic and sorcery were prevalent, with practitioners often vying for influence and financial gain. Simon's background as a sorcerer would have conditioned him to view power as something that could be acquired, controlled, and even sold. His request reflects this worldview, contrasting sharply with the divine, unmerited nature of the Holy Spirit's gifting. The laying on of hands was a recognized practice in both Jewish and early Christian contexts for blessing, commissioning, and imparting spiritual gifts, but its efficacy was always understood as dependent on God's sovereign will, not human manipulation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several crucial themes within Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores **the sovereignty of God in the giving of the Holy Spirit**. The Spirit is not a commodity to be bought or sold, but a divine gift bestowed according to God's will, as seen in [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's Call to Repentance and Receive the Spirit") and [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Secondly, it highlights **the nature of true spiritual authority**. Apostolic authority was not for personal gain or prestige, but for the building up of the church and the spread of the gospel, always operating under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Simon's desire for this power for himself reveals a profound misunderstanding of its purpose. Lastly, this incident gives rise to the theological concept of **Simony**, the sin of attempting to buy or sell spiritual offices, gifts, or sacred things, serving as a perpetual warning against the commercialization or exploitation of spiritual matters within the church.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Give (Greek, _dídōmi'_ G1325):** Simon's use of this word reveals his fundamental misunderstanding. While _dídōmi_ broadly means "to give" or "bestow," Simon implies a transactional giving, as if he could purchase or be granted a transferable ability. This contrasts with the biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit as a sovereign gift from God, not something that can be commanded or acquired by human means.
* **Power (Greek, _exousía'_ G1849):** This term signifies privilege, force, capacity, or delegated influence. Simon perceived the apostles' ability to impart the Spirit as a form of _exousía_ that he could possess and wield, much like his former magical powers. He saw it as a tangible authority or right that could be transferred, rather than a divine enablement that flows from God's sovereign will and is manifested through His chosen instruments.
* **Receive (Greek, _lambánō'_ G2983):** This verb means "to take," "obtain," or "receive." Simon desired the ability to cause others to "receive" the Holy Spirit through his own actions. His focus was on the external act of impartation and the resulting manifestation, rather than the internal transformation and spiritual indwelling that constitutes true reception of the Holy Spirit. He sought the mechanism, not the divine source or purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying, Give me also this power,"**: Simon's direct address to Peter and John, immediately after witnessing the impartation of the Holy Spirit, reveals his covetous desire. The phrase "me also" indicates his wish to replicate the apostles' unique ability, not out of a desire for spiritual purity or service, but for personal gain, influence, or prestige, reminiscent of his former life as a sorcerer who "bewitched" the people of Samaria. He perceives their spiritual authority as a transferable "power" that can be acquired.
* **"that on whomsoever I lay hands,"**: This clause specifies the desired mechanism of power transfer. Simon observed the apostles laying hands on the believers, and the Holy Spirit being received. He mistakenly attributes the power to the physical act itself, rather than to the sovereign work of God through His chosen apostles. His ambition is to control this process, to become the conduit for spiritual impartation, thereby elevating his own status.
* **"he may receive the Holy Ghost."**: Simon's ultimate goal is to replicate the visible outcome he witnessed. He desires the ability to cause others to "receive" the Holy Spirit, which in the context of Acts often involved discernible manifestations (e.g., speaking in tongues, prophecy). His focus is on the outward phenomenon, not the spiritual reality of regeneration, sanctification, or empowerment for God's purposes. He views the Holy Spirit as a force or entity that can be manipulated and dispensed by human will.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to highlight Simon's spiritual blindness and the true nature of divine power. **Irony** is prominent, as Simon, who previously "bewitched" people with his sorcery, now attempts to "buy" the power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating a complete inversion of spiritual values. He believes divine power operates on the same transactional principles as his magic. **Contrast** is also central, juxtaposing Simon's self-serving, commercialized view of spiritual authority with the apostles' selfless, God-given ministry. The genuine, unmerited gift of the Holy Spirit stands in stark opposition to Simon's attempt to acquire it for personal gain. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the laying on of hands is misinterpreted by Simon; he sees it as a magical conduit for power rather than a physical act accompanying prayer and divine impartation. The narrative uses these devices to underscore the profound spiritual chasm between Simon's worldly ambition and the sacred, unpurchasable gifts of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Simon's request in Acts 8:19 serves as a profound theological lesson on the nature of God's grace and the Holy Spirit. It underscores that salvation, the Holy Spirit, and spiritual gifts are not commodities to be bought, earned, or manipulated, but are freely given by God's sovereign will to those who believe. Any attempt to commercialize, control, or exploit spiritual realities for personal gain is a grave offense against God, a sin that historically became known as "simony." This incident highlights the critical importance of pure motives in ministry and the danger of seeking spiritual power or position for self-exaltation rather than for God's glory and the edification of His church. It reminds us that true spiritual authority is derived from God alone and is exercised in humility and service, never as a means of personal enrichment or control.

* [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's Call to Repentance and Receiving the Spirit")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [1 Timothy 4:14](/1_timothy/4-14 "1 Timothy 4:14 - Do Not Neglect Your Gift")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 8:19 offers timeless and crucial lessons for believers in every age, particularly regarding our understanding of spiritual power, gifts, and ministry. Simon's error serves as a stark warning against the temptation to view God's blessings as something we can acquire or control through human effort, financial means, or manipulative tactics. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and motives: Do we seek spiritual gifts for genuine service and the glory of God, or for personal recognition, influence, or even financial benefit? The Holy Spirit is a divine person, not a force to be harnessed, and His gifts are expressions of God's grace, freely given. Our response should be one of humble reception and faithful stewardship, recognizing that all true spiritual power flows from God alone and is intended to build up His kingdom, not our own. This passage calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, dependence on God, and pure motives in all our spiritual endeavors, valuing the Giver above the gifts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my primary motivations for desiring spiritual gifts or positions of influence within the church?**
* **How do I ensure that I am not seeking to "buy" or manipulate spiritual experiences, but rather humbly receiving what God freely gives?**
* **In what ways might the temptation to commercialize or exploit spiritual things manifest in contemporary Christian contexts?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for the Holy Spirit as a divine person rather than merely a source of power or gifts?**

### FAQ

**What is the "sin of Simony" and where does it come from?**

Answer: The "sin of Simony" refers to the practice of buying or selling ecclesiastical offices, pardons, spiritual gifts, or sacred things. The term originates directly from Simon the Sorcerer's attempt in [Acts 8:19](/acts/8-19 "Acts 8:19 - Simon's Offer to Buy Spiritual Power") to purchase the ability to impart the Holy Spirit from the apostles Peter and John. Peter's subsequent rebuke in [Acts 8:20](/acts/8-20 "Acts 8:20 - Peter's Rebuke to Simon") ("Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money") firmly established the principle that spiritual blessings and offices are divine gifts, not commodities. Throughout church history, "simony" has been a recurring issue, representing a corruption of spiritual authority and a disregard for the unmerited nature of God's grace.

**Why did Simon believe he could buy the Holy Spirit?**

Answer: Simon's belief stemmed from his background as a sorcerer in Samaria, where he had long practiced magic and used his abilities to gain influence and presumably wealth ([Acts 8:9-11](/acts/8-9-11 "Acts 8:9-11 - Simon the Sorcerer's Influence")). In the ancient world, magical power was often associated with secret knowledge or techniques that could be bought, sold, or passed down for a price. When Simon witnessed the apostles Peter and John imparting the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, he perceived it through his familiar lens of transactional power. He saw a visible, reproducible effect and assumed it was another form of "power" that could be acquired like his magical arts, rather than understanding it as a sovereign act of God's grace. His worldview was still rooted in human manipulation and commercial exchange, rather than divine gifting.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The incident with Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8:19 serves as a stark reminder that the Holy Spirit is ultimately the Spirit of Christ, given by the Father through the Son, and not a power to be acquired or manipulated by human means. Jesus himself promised the coming of the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, who would glorify Him and guide believers into all truth ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"), [John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit of Truth")). The Spirit's primary mission is to bear witness to Christ, empower believers for Christ's mission ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")), and conform them to Christ's image ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of Christ")). Simon's desire to "buy" the Spirit's power for personal gain stands in stark contrast to the self-giving, servant-hearted nature of Christ, who freely gave His life for the salvation of humanity ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). The Holy Spirit is not a commodity, but a divine person who indwells believers, producing the fruit of Christ-like character ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")) and empowering them to participate in Christ's ongoing work in the world, always for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom, never for personal enrichment or worldly prestige.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 14:7

¶ And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,

Luke 14:11

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

3 John 1:9

¶ I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

Matthew 18:1

¶ At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

Matthew 18:3

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

John 5:44

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?

Acts 8:17

Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.