But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter's strong reaction isn't just about Simon trying to buy power; it’s about the fundamental misunderstanding that any "gift of God" could ever be earned or purchased. He's emphasizing that spiritual abilities aren't commodities to be traded, highlighting the deep offense of trying to put a price tag on divine grace.
But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Simon Magus, a sorcerer who had impressed the Samaritan crowds, attempts to buy the power to give the Holy Spirit from Peter and John. Peter, deeply disturbed by Simon's materialistic view of God's work, declares that Simon's money and he himself are destined for destruction. This sharp rebuke highlights Simon's corrupt motive and his misunderstanding of spiritual gifts as commodities to be purchased, not as divine empowerments freely given.
Simon the sorcerer thought he could buy spiritual power. Peter's response is fierce, revealing something incredibly precious about the gift of the Holy Spirit.
When Simon offered money to Peter and John, wanting to gain the ability to impart the Holy Spirit, Peter's reaction was explosive.
Simon's desire to buy the Spirit wasn't just a misunderstanding; it revealed a deeply flawed heart. What does this tell us about greed and spiritual authenticity?
Simon's offer exposes the destructive nature of greed and its incompatibility with genuine faith.
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Understand the original words
argyrion · Greek Noun
The currency of the ancient world; in a theological sense, it often contrasts with the "unpurchasable" nature of divine grace. It signifies material wealth which can become an idol when placed in competition with the value of spiritual realities.
dōrea · Greek Noun
A free, unmerited favor or enablement bestowed by God upon humanity. It is given solely through God's sovereign generosity, specifically through faith in Christ, and cannot be purchased, earned, or manipulated by human effort or resources.
Peter's rebuke of Simon Magus highlights a critical moment where the nascent church, still reeling from persecution and establishing its identity, confronts the temptation to commercialize spiritual gifts. This event underscores the radical, unmerited nature of God's grace in a world accustomed to transactional power.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
The earthly ministry of Jesus concludes with his crucifixion and resurrection. This event lays the foundation for the early church and the spread of the Gospel.
c. 30-34 AD
Early Church Growth in Jerusalem
Following Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles in Jerusalem, leading to rapid growth of the Christian community and the initial spread of the gospel.
c. 34 AD
Stephen's Martyrdom and Diaspora
Stephen, a prominent early Christian, is martyred in Jerusalem, leading to a severe persecution of the church. This event causes many believers to scatter throughout Judea and Samaria.
c. 34 AD— this verse
Philip's Ministry in Samaria
Philip, one of the seven deacons, travels to Samaria and preaches the gospel, performing miracles and leading many, including the sorcerer Simon, to believe in Christ.
c. 34 AD
Apostolic Confirmation in Samaria
Peter and John travel from Jerusalem to Samaria to lay hands on the new believers, enabling them to receive the Holy Spirit, a ministry Simon Magus attempts to replicate with money.
This passage highlights the root of much evil being the love of money, directly contrasting with the idea that spiritual gifts can be bought, which Simon Magus attempted.
Matthew 10:8Jesus' instruction to his disciples to 'freely give' what they have received echoes Peter's rebuke to Simon, emphasizing that spiritual gifts are not commodities to be sold or purchased.
2 Peter 2:14This passage speaks of those who have forsaken the right way and followed the way of Balaam, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, drawing a parallel to Simon's desire to buy spiritual power for personal gain.
Hebrews 12:16This verse warns against immorality and greed, describing Esau who for a single meal sold his birthright, similar to Simon's willingness to trade a sacred gift for money.
ellicottActs 8:20: "But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money."
(20) Thy money perish with thee. —Literally, Thy money be together with thee, for perdition. The same word is used as in the “son of perdition” in John 17:12 and in Hebrews 10:39 . The prominence of the word in 2Peter 2:1-3 ; 2Peter 3:7 ; 2Peter 3:16 , is interesting in connection with the question as to the authorship of that Epistle. Another coincidence…
vincentActs 8:20: "But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money."
Perish with thee (σὺν σοὶ εἴη εἰς ἀπώλειαν)Lit., be along with thee unto destruction. Destruction overtake thy money and thyself.
Peter's strong reaction isn't just about Simon trying to buy power; it’s about the fundamental misunderstanding that any "gift of God" could ever be earned or purchased. He's emphasizing that spiritual abilities aren't commodities to be traded, highlighting the deep offense of trying to put a price tag on divine grace.
Simon Magus, a sorcerer who had impressed the Samaritan crowds, attempts to buy the power to give the Holy Spirit from Peter and John. Peter, deeply disturbed by Simon's materialistic view of God's work, declares that Simon's money and he himself are destined for destruction. This sharp rebuke highlights Simon's corrupt motive and his misunderstanding of spiritual gifts as commodities to be purchased, not as divine empowerments freely given.
Simon Magus, a sorcerer who had impressed the Samaritan crowds, attempts to buy the power to give the Holy Spirit from Peter and John. Peter, deeply disturbed by Simon's materialistic view of God's work, declares that Simon's money and he himself are destined for destruction. This sharp rebuke highlights Simon's corrupt motive and his misunderstanding of spiritual gifts as commodities to be purchased, not as divine empowerments freely given.
"But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!" — Peter's strong reaction isn't just about Simon trying to buy power; it’s about the fundamental misunderstanding that any "gift of God" could ever be earned or purchased. He's emphasizing that spiritu…
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Last reviewed October 2026