But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money! You have no part or share in this, for your heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the chains of wickedness.” Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may happen to me.” Acts 8:20-24

The Holy Spirit usually comes at Baptism (Acts 2:38, 19:5-6) and here the Baptized Samaritans receive the Holy Spirit through apostolic anointing by Peter and John. After this, Simon the magician orders Peter to give him anointing Power, offering money to pay. The Scripture today shows how Peter rebukes him.

Peter’s instructions will lead him to New Birth in Christ. Simon the magician can choose to humble his heart and repent allowing the Holy Spirit to transform him yet he chooses self involvement instead of Christ involvement. New Birth occurs when we give ourselves wholly and completely to Christ and then we turn our back firmly on anything that is not of Christ. The New Birth continually enables Christ to transform us to be like Him.

Your heart softens and conforms to Christ’s love and you bow humbled because you are His dear one. You choose selflessness compassionate friends and together look outward to others needs instead of inward to just your needs. As you are growing in Christ-like love joy is found through immersing yourself in the Scriptures. You speak to affirm and encourage the Promises of Jesus into other’s lives and hold fast to them.