Acts 8:22

KJV

Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Repent {G3340} therefore {G3767} of {G575} this {G5026} thy {G4675} wickedness {G2549}, and {G2532} pray {G1189} God {G2316}, if {G1487} perhaps {G686} the thought {G1963} of thine {G4675} heart {G2588} may be forgiven {G863} thee {G4671}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps you will yet be forgiven for holding such a thought in your heart.

Berean Standard Bible

Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart.

American Standard Version

Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:22 presents the Apostle Peter's direct and urgent command to Simon the Sorcerer, who had attempted to purchase the ability to impart the Holy Spirit. This verse serves as a profound call to repentance from the deep-seated wickedness of his heart and an instruction to pray to God, holding out the conditional hope that the corrupt intention of his mind might yet be forgiven by divine grace. It underscores the unpurchasable nature of God's gifts and the absolute necessity of genuine contrition for sin originating from within.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the early church's expansion into Samaria. Immediately preceding this, Peter and John had arrived from Jerusalem to impart the Holy Spirit to the Samaritan believers, who had been baptized but had not yet received the Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). Simon, a prominent sorcerer who had previously held great sway over the Samaritans and had himself "believed and was baptized" (Acts 8:13), witnessed this miraculous impartation. Mistakenly viewing the Holy Spirit as a commodity or a magical power, he offered Peter and John money, saying, "Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost" ([Acts 8:19](/acts/8-19 "Acts 8:19 - Simon's Attempt to Buy Power")). Peter's scathing rebuke in [Acts 8:20-21](/acts/8-20-21 "Acts 8:20-21 - Peter's Rebuke to Simon") ("Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God") sets the stage for the direct command to repent found in verse 22, offering a narrow path to potential forgiveness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samaria, a region historically at odds with Judea, was fertile ground for the gospel due to its distinct religious identity and openness to new spiritual movements. Sorcery and magic were prevalent in the Greco-Roman world, often involving attempts to manipulate spiritual forces for personal gain or influence. Simon Magus (Simon the Sorcerer) was a well-known figure, likely a practitioner of Hellenistic magic, who had captivated the Samaritan populace for a long time (Acts 8:9-11). His "conversion" and baptism, while seemingly genuine on the surface, did not eradicate his ingrained worldview that spiritual power could be acquired or controlled through human means, particularly money. This cultural backdrop highlights the radical counter-cultural nature of the gospel, which proclaims God's gifts are freely given by grace, not earned or bought.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 8:22 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **unpurchasable nature of God's grace and spiritual gifts**. The Holy Spirit is a divine gift, not a commodity to be bought or sold, a concept Peter vehemently defends. Secondly, it emphasizes the **necessity of genuine repentance**. Simon's outward profession of faith was insufficient; his heart remained corrupt, revealing that true faith involves a radical change of mind and heart, as preached by Peter on Pentecost ([Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's Call to Repentance on Pentecost")). Thirdly, the passage highlights the **internal nature of sin and righteousness**. Simon's sin was not merely an action but stemmed from the "thought of thine heart," demonstrating that God judges the motives and intentions of the inner person, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")). Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine mercy and the possibility of forgiveness**, even for profound spiritual error, provided there is true repentance and a turning to God in prayer.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Repent (Greek, _metanoéō_):** From G3340, meaning "to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction)." This word signifies more than mere regret or sorrow; it denotes a fundamental change of mind, a reorientation of one's entire outlook and direction. Peter is calling Simon to a radical transformation of his inner disposition concerning his understanding of God, spiritual power, and his own sinful desires. It implies a turning away from the old way of thinking and acting towards God's way.
* **Wickedness (Greek, _kakía_):** From G2549, meaning "badness, i.e. (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble." This term describes the inherent evil or malice residing within Simon's heart, not just an isolated bad act. It points to a corrupt moral character and a deep-seated perversion of spiritual understanding, viewing divine power as something to be exploited rather than reverenced.
* **Thought (Greek, _epínoia_):** From G1963, meaning "attention of the mind, i.e. (by implication) purpose." This word refers to the inner intention, the design, or the purpose of the mind. Peter is not merely condemning Simon's offer of money, but the underlying corrupt purpose and intention that motivated it – his desire to manipulate God's gift for personal gain and prestige. It emphasizes that God sees and judges the hidden motives of the heart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Repent therefore of this thy wickedness":** This is a direct, imperative command from Peter, flowing logically ("therefore") from his previous condemnation of Simon's heart and actions. The call to "repent" (metanoéō) signifies a demand for a complete change of mind and heart, a turning away from the inherent "wickedness" (kakía) that characterizes his desire to purchase spiritual authority. This highlights that Simon's problem was not just an external act but a deep-seated spiritual corruption.
* **"and pray God":** Following the command to repent, Peter prescribes the means by which Simon is to seek reconciliation. It is a direct appeal to "God" (theós), emphasizing that forgiveness comes solely from the divine source, not through human intermediaries or transactions. This instruction underscores the necessity of humble, direct supplication to the Almighty for mercy.
* **"if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee":** This conditional clause ("if perhaps" - ei ára) introduces a note of uncertainty, not about God's ability or willingness to forgive, but about the genuineness of Simon's potential repentance and the depth of his sin. The "thought" (epínoia) of his "heart" (kardía) points to the internal, originating source of his sin – his corrupt intention and purpose. The phrase "may be forgiven" (aphíēmi) indicates the possibility of remission or dismissal of this sin, contingent upon true repentance and God's sovereign mercy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, as Peter issues a direct command ("Repent... and pray"), conveying the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the required action. There is also a significant use of a **Conditional Clause** ("if perhaps... may be forgiven"), which creates a sense of gravity and uncertainty, highlighting the seriousness of Simon's sin while still leaving a door open for divine mercy. **Metonymy** is present in the phrase "thought of thine heart," where "heart" (kardía) stands in for the entire inner being—the seat of intellect, emotion, and will—emphasizing that the sin originated from Simon's deepest intentions rather than merely an external action. Finally, there's a subtle **Irony** in Simon, who sought to control spiritual power, now being utterly dependent on God's mercy for the forgiveness of his own internal corruption, illustrating the vast chasm between human ambition and divine grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 8:22 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that sin is not merely an outward transgression but originates from the corrupt desires and intentions of the human heart. Simon's attempt to buy spiritual power exposed a deeper spiritual malady – a covetous heart that misunderstood the very nature of God's unmerited grace. Peter's call to "repent" and "pray God" is a timeless directive, emphasizing that the path to reconciliation with God always involves a radical change of mind and a humble appeal for divine forgiveness, which is never earned but freely bestowed. This passage serves as a stark warning against the commodification of spiritual gifts and a powerful affirmation of God's sovereignty over His Spirit and His willingness to forgive even profound spiritual blindness when met with genuine contrition.

* [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow")
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - The Source of Evil Thoughts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 8:22 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination, urging us to look beyond our outward actions to the hidden motives and intentions of our hearts. Just as Simon's desire to purchase spiritual power revealed a deep-seated "wickedness," we too must honestly assess whether our pursuit of spiritual gifts, ministry opportunities, or even Christian service is rooted in genuine love for God and others, or subtly tainted by selfish ambition, desire for recognition, or a transactional view of divine favor. This verse reminds us that God is concerned with the purity of our inner being and that true spiritual power flows from His unmerited grace, not from human manipulation or merit. It calls us to a continual posture of humility, recognizing our innate capacity for corruption and our constant need for God's transforming grace. The path to spiritual health and genuine relationship with God always begins with acknowledging our sin, turning from it, and humbly seeking His forgiveness through prayer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wickedness" or corrupt "thoughts of heart" might I need to repent of today, even subtle ones?**
* **How do I view God's spiritual gifts and blessings? Do I ever approach them with a sense of entitlement or a desire to "earn" or "control" them, rather than as freely given grace?**
* **What does genuine repentance look like in my daily life, beyond just feeling sorry for my mistakes?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a heart that is truly right in the sight of God, free from hidden motives and self-serving ambitions?**

### FAQ
**What does "if perhaps" imply about Simon's chances of forgiveness?**

Answer: The phrase "if perhaps" (Greek: _ei ára_) does not imply a limitation on God's power or willingness to forgive, but rather highlights the gravity of Simon's sin and the uncertainty surrounding the genuineness of his potential repentance. His sin was not merely an external act but a deep-seated corruption of his "heart" and "thought" (epínoia), indicating a profound misunderstanding of God's nature and gifts. Peter's conditional statement underscores that forgiveness is not automatic but contingent upon a radical, sincere change of mind and heart. It places the burden of genuine contrition on Simon, emphasizing that such deep-seated wickedness requires a profound turning to God, and even then, forgiveness remains a sovereign act of divine mercy.

**Did Simon the Sorcerer actually repent and receive forgiveness?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state whether Simon truly repented and was forgiven. After Peter's stern rebuke and call to repentance, Simon responds in [Acts 8:24](/acts/8-24 "Acts 8:24 - Simon's Plea to Peter"): "Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me." This response suggests fear of divine judgment rather than a clear indication of genuine, heart-felt repentance (metanoéō). While he asks Peter and John to pray for him, his plea seems focused on avoiding consequences rather than expressing sorrow for his sin or a desire for a transformed heart. The narrative leaves his ultimate spiritual state unresolved, serving as a cautionary tale about superficial faith and the danger of unaddressed sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 8:22, while a direct command to Simon, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Simon's need for repentance from the "wickedness" and "thought of his heart" points directly to the universal human condition of sin, which originates from within (as Jesus taught in [Mark 7:21-23](/mark/7-21-23 "Mark 7:21-23 - What Defiles a Person")). The possibility of forgiveness, however conditional it appears for Simon, is fully realized in Christ. Jesus Himself came proclaiming, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: [repent ye, and believe the gospel](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus' Call to Repentance")" (Mark 1:15). He is the one who has the divine authority to "forgive sins" ([Mark 2:10](/mark/2-10 "Mark 2:10 - Jesus' Authority to Forgive Sins")), a power no human or sorcerer could ever possess or purchase. Moreover, the Holy Spirit, which Simon sought to buy, is the free gift of God poured out through Christ's finished work on the cross and His ascension ([John 7:38-39](/john/7-38-39 "John 7:38-39 - Rivers of Living Water")). Thus, Simon's desperate situation highlights the profound truth that true spiritual power and the forgiveness of our deepest, most hidden sins are found only in genuine repentance and faith in Jesus, who freely gives what fallen humanity can never earn or acquire.

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

2 Timothy 2:25

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

2 Timothy 2:26

And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Daniel 4:27

Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Acts 17:30

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Matthew 7:7

¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Matthew 7:8

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.