But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: (10) To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. ~ Acts 8:9-10 KJV

Recently, we looked at a scripture regarding the kingdom of God in power. Today we will look at an example from the Bible of a person who wanted to “purchase” the power of God.

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, (19) Saying, Give me also this power that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. ~ Acts 8:18-19 KJV

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not something we “purchase” and receive. A few scriptures down we can see that Peter rebuked Simon because he thought he could “buy” the gift God has given us. Simon was jealous because he was the “great power” of God until the apostles came and truly demonstrated the power of God. In verse 23 we can see that Peter was operating in the gift of discernment when he could see how Simon was feeing.

For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. ~ Acts 8:23 KJV

Simon was in bitterness and this was not the proper way to be. This is why it was revealed to Peter to try to help Simon let go of the bitterness and realize the error in his heart. The Lord cares about our heart and we can see that Simon had a change of heart once that was spoken to him. The gift of discernment is one of the 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit found in 1 Corinthians 12.

God’s gift cannot be bought but it is free for you to receive if you desire it for the work of the Kingdom. It’s not for you, it is actually for others but you will be blessed knowing that you are being used as a vessel for bringing liberty to people who are captive to darkness.