"And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost."
Acts 8:18,19 (King James Version)

Simon had seen several miraculous signs but this Holy Ghost thing was simply the bomb! A study of Act 8 begins with a revival at Samaria but takes a detour to consider a man known as 'Brother Simon'. Oh, I hope you're not one of those quick to identify him as 'Simon the Sorcerer', because you'll be mistaken. Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:16, 17 admonish us not to think of any man as the world does because if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation.

Simon became a new creation after hearing Philip preach the gospel and seeing amazing signs and healing. In fact, he volunteered himself for full-time ministry in the Lord's vineyard, being one of Philip's aides wherever he went.
Simon could be described as any preacher's crown, a proof of the power of God's Word to save. I'm certain, like many others in his day Simon considered himself a devout and godly Christian; this was until Peter and John came to town with the in-filling with the Holy Spirit.

The town of Samaria received Jesus into their hearts alongside Brother Simon but were yet to receive the in-filling of the Spirit's power, this was the why Apostles Peter and John came into the scene. With just a touch (what the King James rendition terms laying on of hands), they got the saints overflowing with the Holy Spirit with marked physical manifestations. Then an idea struck Brother Simon's mind, it was a request, a suggestion, but an idea that unveiled the mind of God towards some attitudes several Christians then and now have…

Peter's Response (vs. 20-23)
Many reading this story would be tempted to think: “Peter's response to Brother Simon's request to receive the ability to impart people with the in-filling of the Spirit's power in exchange for money is rather too harsh. A gentle rebuke or instruction in spiritual things was all that would be needed.” But the Apostle Peter did not spare to declare the exact nature of Simon's attitude in God's sight.

We must consider Peter's description of the nature of Brother Simon's intent and request to understand the heart of God in this matter. Without mincing words, Brother Simon's act was described as wickedness (in the King James rendition), the original Greek word used: 'kakia' denotes: evil or depravity. He further describes Brother Simon as being full of bitter jealousy and ruled by sin. Such a one Peter said has no business in God's vineyard and should be destroyed alongside his money.

Brother Simon's Past Profile (vs. 9-11)
Without intending to come to Simon's rescue, we must understand the reasons why he made that request, and his background or past life certainly had an influence on it.

For purpose of facts, Simon was a sorcerer who had all Samaria spell-bound with his magic; in fact, he bragged that he was some great one and from the least to the greatest in that city regarded him as an expression of the great power of God. Sure enough the entire nation followed him; his suggestion was their command; a man of undisputed repute thanks to his practice of magic. All this was before Phillip came into the city.

What was Simon's Offence?
Like many others, Simon's offence went beyond offering money for the ability to impart the Holy Spirit by touching people. His motives were the core of his offence, for Peter said: “your heart is not right in the sight of God” (see vs. 21 King James Version). Having once been Samaria's number one man with negative supernatural abilities, he saw that by exercising the power of God through touching people to receive the Holy Spirit, he could once again be famous and earn the respect of Samaria.

He saw this new religion as a means of earning respect, spiritual authority, and amassing wealth...anything described as self-centered. But all it did was earn him a pronouncement of divine judgment!

Nothing Has Changed!
Not surprising enough, many Christians do not see ministry for what it is: 'SERVICE'. Rather for them as much as it was for Simon ministry is a means to earn people's respect. It has become a quest for relevance and importance usually to the detriment of those they are supposed to serve; where the credits of men mean much more to them than the validation of God.

If having a large congregation, a television ministry, being known to be in the company of the 'big names' in the Church; riding expensive cars, dressing 'powerfully' or having signs and wonders in their ministry can bring respect from people, they will be sure to aim for it. It is evil to use the privilege of ministry to gain fame or human recognition for fame is not a reward from God, but a privilege to be an example of Jesus in godly character and lifestyle.

Money Matters
No need to play around with words; GIVING MONEY IN THE HOPE OF ANSWERED PRAYERS IS AS UNGODLY AS GIVING MONEY TO ACQUIRE A SPIRITUAL GIFT!

It is amusing if not pathetic to see the Church swept off its feet with the wave of materialism:
People give tithes because they don't want their finances to be 'tight'!
Poor people are being robbed of their meager earnings simply because they are taught that God can only meet their needs when they give 'sacrificially'.
Several young and aspiring ministers of the gospel 'sow' to the more accomplished men of God in order to walk in the glamour of their 'anointing'.
BOTH THE ROBBERS AND THE ROBBED USE RELIGION AS A MEANS OF AMASSING WEALTH. INDEED AN EVIL UNDER THE SUN!

To explain it the way God sees it, it is placing money in comparison with God, His gifts and everything he stands for. If one can place a value on God and His gifts with money, then God is definitely no bigger than their paycheck. It is a clear scenario... we either become Christians or serve in God's vineyard on our terms. This sacrilege cannot go unpunished.

Lord Help Me!
Did you notice I didn't say: “Lord, help US!” It is simply because when it comes to matters of the heart and motives, you stand alone for judgment or repentance is to the individual. Imagine you are in a large stadium filled to capacity with people, then you blink your eyes only to find out that you're the only person there, you'll feel uncovered, vulnerable or even naked; that's how you are before God even in the midst of thousands of people.

Like Peter told Brother Simon in vs.22, change your heart and turn away from this evil; it is an admonishment for consecration. Consecration is setting oneself apart from people, sin, and negative trends to total devotion to God's ways, standards, plans and purposes. It is more than asking for forgiveness, it is deliberate change of one's heart, mind set and a resolve to continue in the new path. It is a personal responsibility we bear towards God and in so doing we can escape the corruption that so pervades our society and be among those fit for the Master's use and prepared for every work.

Stop right here and pour out your heart to God in consecration! Repent of: all the right things you do for the wrong reasons; blindly following what seemed popular in the Church without pursuing the cause of Christ; for robbing others or allowing yourself to be robbed in your quest for a better life. Repent of self-centeredness and declare your devotion to Him alone who saved you by the blood of His death and has bought you for Himself - Jesus Christ.