Acts 8:21

KJV

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou {G4671} hast {G2076} neither {G3756} part {G3310} nor {G3761} lot {G2819} in {G1722} this {G5129} matter {G3056}: for {G1063} thy {G4675} heart {G2588} is {G2076} not {G3756} right {G2117} in the sight {G1799} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You have no part at all in this matter; because in the eyes of God, your heart is crooked.

Berean Standard Bible

You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God.

American Standard Version

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right before God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:21 delivers Peter's stern rebuke to Simon the sorcerer, declaring his complete exclusion from genuine spiritual participation because his underlying motives were corrupt and self-serving, not aligned with God's righteous purposes. This verse profoundly underscores the divine emphasis on purity of heart and intention over outward religious observance or the pursuit of spiritual power for personal gain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the narrative of the early church's expansion, specifically following the evangelistic efforts of Philip in Samaria. Philip's ministry saw many Samaritans, including Simon, believe and be baptized ([Acts 8:12-13](/acts/8-12-13 "Acts 8:12-13 - Philip's Ministry in Samaria")). When Peter and John arrived from Jerusalem to impart the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands ([Acts 8:14-17](/acts/8-14-17 "Acts 8:14-17 - Peter and John in Samaria")), Simon, witnessing this powerful manifestation, offered them money to acquire the ability to bestow the Spirit himself ([Acts 8:18-19](/acts/8-18-19 "Acts 8:18-19 - Simon's Offer")). Peter's immediate and forceful response in [Acts 8:20-23](/acts/8-20-23 "Acts 8:20-23 - Peter's Rebuke to Simon") exposes the deep-seated corruption of Simon's heart, revealing that his initial "belief" was superficial and lacked true spiritual transformation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samaria, historically a region of mixed Jewish and Gentile heritage, was often viewed with suspicion by orthodox Jews. The successful evangelization of Samaria represented a significant step in the Gospel's expansion beyond purely Jewish circles, fulfilling Jesus' commission in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Simon, known as "Simon Magus" (the sorcerer), had previously held significant sway over the Samaritan people through his magical arts, which were common in the Hellenistic world and often involved claims of divine power or secret knowledge. His attempt to purchase spiritual authority reflects a pagan worldview where divine favor or power could be manipulated or acquired through material means, a stark contrast to the grace-based economy of the Holy Spirit.

* **Key Themes:** [Acts 8:21](/acts/8-21 "Acts 8:21 - Peter's Rebuke to Simon") contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and broader biblical theology. It powerfully highlights the **Purity of Motive** required in serving God, emphasizing that outward actions or religious participation are meaningless without a transformed heart. It underscores that **Spiritual Gifts Cannot Be Bought**, establishing that the Holy Spirit's power is a divine gift, freely bestowed by God's grace, not a commodity for commercial transaction or personal aggrandizement. Furthermore, the passage demonstrates **Divine Discernment**, as Peter, empowered by the Spirit, was able to perceive the true, corrupt state of Simon's heart, a crucial aspect of spiritual leadership. Finally, Simon's case serves as a cautionary tale regarding **True Conversion**, illustrating that a superficial "belief" or outward baptism does not necessarily equate to genuine repentance and a right standing with God, a theme echoed in Jesus' teachings about discerning true discipleship in [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not everyone who says 'Lord, Lord'").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **part (Greek, _merís'_):** Derived from a word meaning "portion," _merís_ signifies a share, a division, or a province. In this context, it denotes Simon's lack of any rightful share or allocation in the spiritual "matter" or ministry of God. It implies a complete exclusion from the true spiritual inheritance or participation that belongs to genuine believers.
* **lot (Greek, _klēros'_):** This term originally referred to a die used for casting lots, but by implication, it came to mean a portion or an inheritance secured by lot. In the biblical sense, it often refers to one's divinely appointed share or heritage, particularly in the spiritual realm. Paired with _merís_, _klēros_ intensifies the declaration of Simon's utter lack of any claim or inheritance in the spiritual blessings and work of God.
* **heart (Greek, _kardía'_):** In biblical anthropology, the _kardía_ is not merely the physical organ but the very core of a person's being—the seat of intellect, emotions, will, and moral character. When Peter declares Simon's "heart is not right," he is pointing to a fundamental spiritual corruption at the deepest level of Simon's intentions and character, not just a misunderstanding or a momentary lapse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter:"** Peter's opening declaration is an absolute and unequivocal rejection of Simon's claim to spiritual authority or participation. The use of two distinct terms, "part" (_merís_) and "lot" (_klēros_), creates a powerful **double negative** that emphasizes Simon's complete exclusion. He possesses no share, no inheritance, no stake whatsoever in the true work of God's Spirit. "This matter" refers specifically to the spiritual power and authority to impart the Holy Spirit, which Simon sought to purchase.
* **"for thy heart is not right in the sight of God."** This clause provides the divine rationale for Simon's exclusion. The conjunction "for" (_gár_) introduces the reason. The core issue is not Simon's outward actions (his baptism, his initial "belief"), but the internal state of his "heart" (_kardía_). His heart is "not right" (_euthýs_), meaning it is not straight, upright, or true. This moral and spiritual misalignment is particularly egregious "in the sight of God" (_enṓpion theós_), who discerns the innermost thoughts and intentions, unlike humans who can only see outward appearances ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God looks at the heart")). Simon's motive was self-enrichment and power, fundamentally opposed to the Spirit's purpose.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Antithesis** is evident in the stark contrast between Simon's outward profession of faith and baptism, and the corrupt, self-serving condition of his inner "heart." This highlights the biblical emphasis on internal transformation over external religious acts. Peter's declaration also uses **Hyperbole** or emphatic negation through the double negative "neither part nor lot," underscoring the absolute nature of Simon's spiritual exclusion. Furthermore, the term "heart" functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, where the physical organ stands for the entirety of a person's inner being—their will, intellect, and moral core. This makes the indictment against Simon profoundly personal and foundational, revealing that his problem was not merely a misunderstanding but a deep-seated spiritual malady.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 8:21 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of genuine faith, the character of spiritual authority, and the absolute necessity of pure motives in all matters pertaining to God. It teaches that divine power and spiritual gifts are not commodities to be bought, sold, or manipulated, but are freely given by God's grace to those with sincere hearts. Simon's attempt to commercialize the Holy Spirit, a practice later termed "simony," stands as a perpetual warning against the corruption of spiritual things for personal gain. This passage underscores God's penetrating gaze into the human heart, revealing that true righteousness is an internal posture of integrity and devotion, not merely an external performance.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God looks at the heart")
* [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not everyone who says 'Lord, Lord'")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 8:21 serves as a profound mirror for every believer, challenging us to consistently examine the depths of our own hearts and motives. It compels us to ask: Are our spiritual pursuits, our service, our giving, and even our prayers, truly for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom, or are they subtly tainted by desires for recognition, power, or personal benefit? This verse reminds us that outward religious activity, however impressive, is ultimately meaningless if our inner disposition is not "right in the sight of God." It calls us to cultivate a heart of humility, integrity, and genuine love for God, recognizing that all true spiritual blessings are unmerited gifts of His grace, not achievements to be earned or purchased. This deep introspection fosters spiritual authenticity and guards against the insidious creep of self-serving ambition into our faith journey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my deepest motivations for engaging in spiritual activities or seeking spiritual growth?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be seeking to "buy" or manipulate spiritual outcomes rather than trusting in God's sovereign grace?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is truly "right in the sight of God," as opposed to merely appearing righteous outwardly?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the value of spiritual discernment in my own life and in the church?**

### FAQ
**What is "simony" and how does it relate to Acts 8:21?**

Answer: "Simony" is the ecclesiastical crime of buying or selling church offices, spiritual benefits, or sacred things. The term derives directly from Simon Magus, whose attempt to purchase the power to impart the Holy Spirit in [Acts 8:18-19](/acts/8-18-19 "Acts 8:18-19 - Simon's Attempt to Buy the Spirit") gave rise to the concept. Peter's scathing rebuke in [Acts 8:20-21](/acts/8-20-21 "Acts 8:20-21 - Peter's Rebuke") unequivocally condemns this practice, establishing that spiritual gifts and authority are divine endowments, not commodities for commercial transaction. Simony represents a profound perversion of God's grace and a corruption of the sacred.

**Does Acts 8:21 mean Simon was not truly saved, despite his "belief" and baptism?**

Answer: The passage strongly suggests that Simon's "belief" and baptism were superficial and lacked genuine spiritual transformation. Peter's declaration that Simon had "neither part nor lot in this matter" and that his "heart is not right in the sight of God" indicates a fundamental spiritual deficiency. While he outwardly conformed to Christian rites, his inner motives remained self-serving and worldly, demonstrating a lack of true repentance and faith. His subsequent plea for Peter to pray for him in [Acts 8:24](/acts/8-24 "Acts 8:24 - Simon's Plea") might suggest a fear of judgment rather than a genuine change of heart. Many scholars view Simon as a cautionary example of false conversion, where external adherence to religious practices does not equate to a saving relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 8:21, though a stern rebuke, ultimately points to the profound truth of Christ's work. Simon's desire to purchase spiritual power stands in stark contrast to the free gift of the Holy Spirit, which is poured out on all who genuinely believe in Jesus Christ. The "part" and "lot" that Simon lacked are precisely what believers receive through Christ: an inheritance in God's kingdom ([Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Inheritance in the Light")), a share in His divine nature ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")), and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - Spirit of Christ Dwells in Believers")). Simon's corrupt heart highlights the universal human condition of sin, which only Christ can rectify. It is through His atoning sacrifice on the cross that our hearts can be made "right in the sight of God" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")), not by any human effort or payment. The true spiritual power that Simon sought to buy is freely given by Christ, who purchased it with His own blood, enabling believers to live a life empowered by grace and devoted to God's glory, rather than personal gain ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ Redeemed Us")).

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

Hebrews 4:13

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

John 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Matthew 6:22

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

Matthew 6:24

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Revelation 22:19

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.

Psalms 36:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David the servant of the LORD. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, [that there is] no fear of God before his eyes.

Joshua 22:25

For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.