Simon the Sorcerer — Tried to Buy the Holy Spirit

This article is taken from Ray Comfort’s upcoming book, Idiotic Things People Did in the Bible. Please subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to receive its release date!

And when Simon saw that… the Holy Spirit was given… he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also.” … But Peter said… “Your money perish with you…” Acts 8:18–20

What He Did

A former magician tried to purchase the power of God with cash.

Why It Was Idiotic

He completely misunderstood the gravity of his sin and the meaning of God’s amazing grace.

Here’s the Scoop

Simon the Sorcerer was a man in Samaria who practiced magic and amazed the people, claiming to be someone great. When Philip preached the good news of Jesus Christ, the text says that many believed and were baptized—including Simon himself—who followed Philip closely, astonished by the miracles he witnessed.

Later, when Peter and John arrived and prayed for the believers to receive the Holy Spirit, Simon offered them money, hoping to buy the power to bestow the Spirit by the laying on of hands. Peter rebuked him sharply: “Your money perish with you… your heart is not right in the sight of God.” He urged Simon to repent, saying he was “poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” In fear, Simon pleaded with them to pray on his behalf that none of the judgment Peter had spoken would come upon him (Acts 8:9–24).

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We might be tempted to ask why Peter so strongly rebuked Simon—why he labeled what Simon did as “wicked.” The answer to that question reveals why Christianity is utterly unique among the world’s religions. Simon believed that the gift of God could be purchased. And most world religions, in one form or another, believe the same thing—that we can earn eternal life.

“Jesus lived a perfect life and died as a substitute for sinners. He paid our fine in full. Salvation is given freely to all who repent and trust in Him. Unlike the religions that say “do,” Christianity says “done”—salvation was finished at the cross.”

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In other words, they believe that God can be bribed—that He will exchange everlasting life for religious devotion, rituals, or moral behavior. God’s throne is established in righteousness and He is the ultimate, perfect Judge. So, when we realize that we are guilty lawbreakers, we see that any attempt to offer Him something in exchange for forgiveness is a deeply offensive act of bribery.

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD… (Proverbs 15:8, KJV)

It is disgusting to imagine a good human judge accepting a bribe. How much more offensive is it to think the holy Judge of the universe would pervert justice for personal gain? And yet that’s exactly what the world’s religions are trying to do: bribe the Judge of all the earth.

Let’s look at how some of the major religions teach people to offer bribes to God—not by money, but by good deeds:

Islam

Islam teaches that entry into Paradise depends on the balance between a person’s good and bad deeds. Muslims believe they will be judged by Allah on the Day of Judgment, and if their good outweighs their bad, they may enter heaven. The Five Pillars of Islam—declaration of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage—are required practices. There is no assurance of salvation apart from personal obedience and performance. It’s merit-based from beginning to end.

Hinduism

Hinduism centers on karma—actions and consequences. One’s behavior determines his or her future reincarnations. The ultimate goal is moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth, achieved through good works, spiritual discipline, devotion to deities, and renunciation of worldly desires. In Hinduism, salvation is self-earned over many lifetimes of striving.

Buddhism

Buddhism offers no divine savior. Enlightenment (nirvana) is achieved by following the Eightfold Path—a rigorous discipline of right thinking, speaking, acting, and meditating. Salvation is entirely dependent on one’s moral and mental effort. Again, it’s a “do-it-yourself” religion.

Judaism

Traditional Judaism teaches righteousness through obedience to the Torah’s 613 commandments. While there are variations within modern Judaism, Orthodox Judaism emphasizes that right standing with God is maintained by repentance, prayer, good deeds, and adherence to the Law. There’s no once-for-all atonement—just a lifelong effort to be good enough.

Christianity

Biblical Christianity stands completely apart. It teaches that salvation is not earned

but is a gift of God.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Jesus lived a perfect life and died as a substitute for sinners. He paid our fine in full. Salvation is given freely to all who repent and trust in Him. Unlike the religions that say “do,” Christianity says “done”—salvation was finished at the cross.

That’s why the gospel we preach is unspeakably good news. It’s good news for Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, atheists, agnostics, and even churchgoers who are vainly trusting in their own good works to save them. Through Jesus Christ alone, the door of salvation is open to all—but it cannot be bought.

This article is taken from Ray Comfort’s upcoming book, Idiotic Things People Did in the Bible. Please subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter to be the first to receive its release date!