8:18-23 What was it Simon saw that made him want to buy the power of the Holy Spirit?
8:18-23 What was it Simon saw that made him want to buy the power of the Holy Spirit?
Simon saw believers talk in tongues as the evidence of receiving the Spirit baptism when Peter and John laid hands on them. We learn this from V21 (CP V21). The word matter here is from the Greek word Logos, which means something said, utterance, word, speech, divine expression.
Simon was amazed at the power of the Holy Spirit he had already seen in the many signs and miracles wrought by Philip (CP V5-13).
But now he saw the sure evidence of the transfer of that power by the laying on of hands - the believer spoke in tongues - and he thought he could buy that power with money. Because of this many Bible commentators believe that Simon was not truly saved, yet V13 clearly teaches that he was.
But he had to repent of his wickedness in wanting to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, and pray for forgiveness to remain saved. Whether he did this or not is not known. It is hardly likely that Peter would have prayed in his stead as Simon requested in V24 (CP V24). Simon had to be responsible for his own restoration here.
See also comments on Mk 16:17-18; Ac 2:1-4(B); Ro 8:26-27 and author's studies Baptism in the Spirit in his book Foundational Truths of the Christian Faith, Signs and Wonders in God's Redemptive Plan in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 1), and The Work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 2).