When tempted with money to do evil, see what a perishing thing money is, and scorn it. It is possible for a man to continue under the power of sin, yet to put on a form of godliness. A proud and covetous heart cannot be right with God. And if they are not right in his sight, our religion is vain, and will stand us in no stead. Our hearts are what they are in the sight of God, who cannot be deceived. This was such a condemning error as could by no means consist with a state of grace.

He esteemed the wealth of this world, as if it would answer for things relating to the other life, and would purchase the pardon of sin, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and eternal life. He was more desirous to gain honour to himself, than to do good to others. Simon Magus was ambitious to have the honour of an apostle, but cared not at all to have the spirit and disposition of a Christian. No man can give the Holy Spirit by the laying on of his hands but we should use our best endeavours to instruct those for whom we pray. We may take encouragement from this example, in praying to God to give the renewing graces of the Holy Ghost to all for whose spiritual welfare we are concerned for that includes all blessings. The Holy Ghost was as yet fallen upon none of these coverts, in the extraordinary powers conveyed by the descent of the Spirit upon the day of Pentecost. All are not savingly converted who profess to believe the gospel. The gospel preached may have a common operation upon a soul, where it never produced inward holiness. And many wonder at the proofs of Divine truths, who never experience their power. Even bad men, and those whose hearts still go after covetousness, may come before God as his people come, and for a time continue with them. But how strong is the power of Divine grace, by which they were brought to Christ, who is Truth itself! The people not only gave heed to what Philip said, but were fully convinced that it was of God, and not of men, and gave up themselves to be directed thereby. See how ignorant and thoughtless people mistake. The people said of Simon, This man is the great power of God. Pride, ambition, and desire after grandeur have always caused abundance of mischief, both to the world and to the church. Distempers are here named, the most difficult to be cured by the course of nature, and most expressive of the disease of sin. All inclinations to the lusts of the flesh which war against the soul are such. Commentary on Acts 8:5-13Īs far as the gospel prevails, evil spirits are dislodged, particularly unclean spirits. Where a simple desire of doing good influences the heart, it will be found impossible to shut a man out from all opportunities of usefulness. Wherever the established believer is driven, he carries the knowledge of the gospel, and makes known the preciousness of Christ in every place. Though persecution must not drive us from our work, yet it may send us to work elsewhere.

Simon the sorcerer bible study notes