For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter's sharp words reveal that Simon isn't just feeling bitter; he's completely bound by his sin, like a prisoner chained by iniquity. This isn't just a bad mood, but a deeply ingrained state of corruption that has a firm grip on his entire being.
For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Simon Magus, a sorcerer who had impressed the Samaritans, just tried to buy the Holy Spirit from Peter and John with money. Peter, seeing this greedy and misguided attempt to control God's power, rebuked him sharply, declaring Simon's heart is far from God. This entire exchange reveals the stark contrast between genuine faith and the desire for spiritual power for personal gain, setting the stage for Peter's stern words to Simon.
Simon Magus offered Peter money for the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter's response wasn't just a rebuke; it was a diagnosis of Simon's inner state. What makes a sin so deeply ingrained that it's described as 'gall of bitterness'?
The Deepest Source of Sin
The phrase 'gall of bitterness' isn't just about feeling upset; it points to a deep, poisonous source within. Think of it like a toxic root growing in the soil of your heart.
Peter doesn't just say Simon is doing wrong things; he says Simon is in the 'bond of iniquity.' What does it mean to be bound by sin, and how is this different from just struggling with temptation?
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The Captivity of Sin
The 'bond of iniquity' paints a vivid picture of sin's power over a person's will and freedom. It's not just a choice you make; it's a chain that holds you.
Understand the original words
cholē · Greek Noun
A state of extreme bitterness, venomous anger, or profound moral corruption. It implies a condition that is spiritually poisonous and detestable to God.
syndesmos · Greek Noun
State of being enslaved or held captive by sin. It indicates that the individual is trapped and unable to free themselves from their sinful condition without divine intervention.
adikia · Greek Noun
Lawlessness, injustice, or unrighteousness. It is the active transgression of God’s law and character.
Peter's powerful words draw on Old Testament imagery of idolatry and sin as a bitter poison and binding chains, revealing Simon's spiritual state as far from true faith, despite his outward baptism.
c. 33 AD
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit's Descent
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles in Jerusalem, empowering them to preach the gospel and perform miracles, marking the birth of the Christian Church.
c. 33-34 AD
Stephen's Martyrdom and the Scattering of Believers
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is stoned to death in Jerusalem. This event leads to a severe persecution of the church, causing many believers, including Philip, to flee Judea and spread the gospel to Samaria and other regions.
c. 34 AD
Philip's Ministry in Samaria
Philip, one of the seven deacons, preaches the gospel in Samaria, performing miracles and leading many to faith, including the sorcerer Simon.
c. 34 AD— this verse
Simon Magus Attempts to Buy Spiritual Power
After witnessing the apostles Peter and John conferring the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, Simon Magus offers them money in an attempt to purchase this power for himself.
c. 34 AD
Peter's Rebuke and Call to Repentance
Apostle Peter vehemently rebukes Simon Magus for his corrupt offer, declaring his heart is not right with God and that he is 'in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.' Peter calls Simon to repent and pray for forgiveness.
c. 34 AD
Peter and John Return to Jerusalem
After their ministry in Samaria, Peter and John return to Jerusalem, having preached the gospel and strengthened the believers there.
This passage speaks of a 'root that bears poison and wormwood' among the people, directly paralleling the 'gall of bitterness' and highlighting how hidden sin can corrupt the whole community.
Psalm 51:5David's cry, 'Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me,' echoes the idea of being deeply ingrained in sin, similar to Simon being 'in the bond of iniquity.'
Isaiah 58:6This verse describes 'loosing the chains of wickedness' and is echoed in Peter's phrase 'bond of iniquity,' showing that sin enslaves people, and true freedom comes from breaking those chains.
Hebrews 12:15The author warns against a 'root of bitterness' springing up, directly referencing the imagery used by Peter and emphasizing the dangerous, pervasive nature of unrepented sin.
Romans 7:23Paul describes a 'law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and making me captive to the law of sin,' which powerfully illustrates the 'bond of iniquity' Peter sees in Simon.
pulpitActs 8:23: "For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity."
Verse 23. - See for perceive, A.V. In the gall of bitterness, etc. The passage from which both this expression and the similar one in Hebrews 12:15 are taken is manifestly Deuteronomy 29:18, where the Greek of the LXX. has, ῤίζα ἄνω φύουσα ἐν χολῇ καὶ πικρίᾳ. The context there also shows conclusively that the "gall and bitterness" ("wormwood," A.V.) of which Moses speaks is the spirit of idolatry o…
barnesActs 8:23: "For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity."
For I perceive - That is, by the act which he had done. His offer had shown a state of mind that was wholly inconsistent with true religion. One single sin "may" as certainly show that there is no true piety as many acts of iniquity. It may be so decided, so malignant, so utterly inconsistent with just views as at once to determine what the character is. The sin of Simon was of this character. Pete…
Peter's sharp words reveal that Simon isn't just feeling bitter; he's completely bound by his sin, like a prisoner chained by iniquity. This isn't just a bad mood, but a deeply ingrained state of corruption that has a firm grip on his entire being.
Simon Magus, a sorcerer who had impressed the Samaritans, just tried to buy the Holy Spirit from Peter and John with money. Peter, seeing this greedy and misguided attempt to control God's power, rebuked him sharply, declaring Simon's heart is far from God. This entire exchange reveals the stark contrast between genuine faith and the desire for spiritual power for personal gain, setting the stage for Peter's stern words to Simon.
Simon Magus, a sorcerer who had impressed the Samaritans, just tried to buy the Holy Spirit from Peter and John with money. Peter, seeing this greedy and misguided attempt to control God's power, rebuked him sharply, declaring Simon's heart is far from God. This entire exchange reveals the stark contrast between genuine faith and the desire for spiritual power for personal gain, setting the stage for Peter's stern words to Simon.
"For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”" — Peter's sharp words reveal that Simon isn't just feeling bitter; he's completely bound by his sin, like a prisoner chained by iniquity. This isn't just a bad mood, but a deeply ingrained state of…
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Last reviewed October 2026