Acts 8:21
Verse
Context
Simon the Sorcerer
20But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!21You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God.22Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart.
Sermons
J.C. RyleJ.C. Ryle
James A. Stewart
J.C. PhilpotSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter - Thou hast no part among the faithful, and no lot in this ministry. That the word κληρος, which we translate lot, is to be understood as implying a spiritual portion, office, etc., see proved in the note on Num 26:55 (note). Thy heart is not right - It is not through motives of purity, benevolence, or love to the souls of men, that thou desirest to be enabled to confer the Holy Ghost; it is through pride, vain glory, and love of money: thou wouldest now give a little money that thou mightest, by thy new gift, gain much.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Thou hast neither part nor lot . . . thy heart is not fight, &c.--This is the fidelity of a minister of Christ to one deceiving himself in a very awful manner.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness,.... For a great piece of wickedness it was, to offer money for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and to imagine, that could be purchased with money; and what made the wickedness still greater was, the evil design he had in this, to advance himself in opposition to Christ and his apostles, as he afterwards did; and when the apostle puts him upon repentance, his view is to show the heinousness of his crime, the need he stood in of repentance, and that without it, his case must be miserable: and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee; though he was in a state of nature, the apostle exhorts him to the duty of prayer; for prayer is a natural duty, and binding upon all men, though none but a spiritual man can perform it in a spiritual way: and though this sin of Simon's was a very heinous one, and came very near unto, and looked very much like the sin against the Holy Ghost, yet it was not the unpardonable one; it might be pardoned by the grace of God, and through the blood of Christ; and therefore Peter, who wished his salvation and not his damnation, put him upon prayer for it; which was possible, though difficult, but not certain: the apostle says not this, as doubting; if it was a case wholly to be despaired of, then he would not have directed him to the means; and yet the wickedness was so horribly great, and he in such a wretched hardened state, that there was no great hope or expectation of his repentance, and so of the application of pardon to him: however, this advice was not given ironically: Peter was too grave and serious to speak sarcastically, or break a jest upon a man in such circumstances; whom no doubt he heartily pitied, though he abhorred his sin: the Syriac version renders it, "the deceit of thine heart": and the Ethiopic version, "the evil thought of thine heart"; and such it was.
Acts 8:21
Simon the Sorcerer
20But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!21You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God.22Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Authentic Religion
By J.C. Ryle0True ChristianityAuthenticity in FaithJER 6:30MAT 7:22MAT 23:33MRK 11:13LUK 8:13ACT 8:21ROM 10:10PHP 2:121JN 3:18REV 3:1J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical need for authenticity in religion, warning against the prevalence of hollow and counterfeit faith in contemporary society. He defines authentic religion as genuine, sincere, and deeply rooted in the heart, contrasting it with superficial expressions of faith that lack true substance. Ryle provides tests to evaluate the authenticity of one's faith, urging believers to examine their feelings towards sin, Christ, and the fruits of their lives. He concludes with a call to action, encouraging individuals to seek a true relationship with Christ and to be authentic in their Christian walk, as only genuine faith will endure the test of time and judgment.
Is Thy Heart Right?
By J.C. Ryle0Spiritual TransformationThe Importance of the HeartPRO 4:23JER 17:10MAT 15:8ACT 8:21J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical importance of the heart in one's relationship with God, arguing that a heart cannot be deemed good if it does not reflect righteousness in actions and thoughts. He challenges the notion that people can have 'good hearts at the bottom' while neglecting spiritual duties, asserting that true goodness must be evident in one's life. Ryle outlines the characteristics of a wrong heart, which is naturally inclined to evil, and contrasts it with the right heart, which is transformed by the Holy Spirit and exhibits faith, humility, and a desire for holiness. He calls for self-examination and urges individuals to seek a new heart through Christ, warning against complacency in spiritual matters. Ultimately, Ryle encourages believers to remain hopeful and diligent in their faith, looking forward to the day when they will be fully redeemed.
The Lordship of Christ - True Repentance
By James A. Stewart0JHN 10:27ACT 8:21ACT 9:62CO 5:15TIT 2:111JN 2:15James A. Stewart emphasizes the importance of true repentance and submission to Christ as Lord for genuine salvation, warning against a false profession of faith that lacks a transformed heart. He echoes the sentiment that preaching Christ as Savior without acknowledging Him as Lord distorts the Gospel message and undermines the Christian life. Stewart highlights the necessity of surrendering to God's lordship, as true submission is required for salvation, not just a superficial acceptance of Jesus. He stresses the vital connection between faith in Christ and a life of holiness, emphasizing that the grace of God leads to a transformed and obedient lifestyle.
Treasures of Darkness
By J.C. Philpot0ACT 8:21In this sermon, the preacher delves into the significance of 'kleros,' a term used in the Bible to denote casting lots, inheritance, or destiny. The casting of lots was a method used by both pagans and believers to make decisions, with believers interpreting the results as guided by God. 'Kleros' is also used to refer to one's allotted portion or inheritance, including the distinct congregations of Christians assigned to different pastors. The preacher emphasizes the importance of spiritual leaders serving as examples to the flock, leading by mature Christian character rather than dictating, following the ultimate example set by Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter - Thou hast no part among the faithful, and no lot in this ministry. That the word κληρος, which we translate lot, is to be understood as implying a spiritual portion, office, etc., see proved in the note on Num 26:55 (note). Thy heart is not right - It is not through motives of purity, benevolence, or love to the souls of men, that thou desirest to be enabled to confer the Holy Ghost; it is through pride, vain glory, and love of money: thou wouldest now give a little money that thou mightest, by thy new gift, gain much.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Thou hast neither part nor lot . . . thy heart is not fight, &c.--This is the fidelity of a minister of Christ to one deceiving himself in a very awful manner.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness,.... For a great piece of wickedness it was, to offer money for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and to imagine, that could be purchased with money; and what made the wickedness still greater was, the evil design he had in this, to advance himself in opposition to Christ and his apostles, as he afterwards did; and when the apostle puts him upon repentance, his view is to show the heinousness of his crime, the need he stood in of repentance, and that without it, his case must be miserable: and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee; though he was in a state of nature, the apostle exhorts him to the duty of prayer; for prayer is a natural duty, and binding upon all men, though none but a spiritual man can perform it in a spiritual way: and though this sin of Simon's was a very heinous one, and came very near unto, and looked very much like the sin against the Holy Ghost, yet it was not the unpardonable one; it might be pardoned by the grace of God, and through the blood of Christ; and therefore Peter, who wished his salvation and not his damnation, put him upon prayer for it; which was possible, though difficult, but not certain: the apostle says not this, as doubting; if it was a case wholly to be despaired of, then he would not have directed him to the means; and yet the wickedness was so horribly great, and he in such a wretched hardened state, that there was no great hope or expectation of his repentance, and so of the application of pardon to him: however, this advice was not given ironically: Peter was too grave and serious to speak sarcastically, or break a jest upon a man in such circumstances; whom no doubt he heartily pitied, though he abhorred his sin: the Syriac version renders it, "the deceit of thine heart": and the Ethiopic version, "the evil thought of thine heart"; and such it was.