9-11 Previous to Philip’s arrival, a certain Simon had practiced magic in the city, posing as a famous man and dazzling all the Samaritans with his wizardry. He had them all, from little children to old men, eating out of his hand. They all thought he had supernatural powers, and called him “the Great Wizard.” He had been around a long time and everyone was more or less in awe of him.
12-13 But when Philip came to town announcing the news of God’s kingdom and proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ, they forgot Simon and were baptized, becoming believers right and left! Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. From that moment he was like Philip’s shadow, so fascinated with all the God-signs and miracles that he wouldn’t leave Philip’s side.
14-17 When the apostles in Jerusalem received the report that Samaria had accepted God’s Message, they sent Peter and John down to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Up to this point they had only been baptized in the name of the Master Jesus; the Holy Spirit hadn’t yet fallen on them. Then the apostles laid their hands on them and they did receive the Holy Spirit.
18-19 When Simon saw that the apostles by merely laying on hands conferred the Spirit, he pulled out his money, excited, and said, “Sell me your secret! Show me how you did that! How much do you want? Name your price!”
20-23 Peter said, “To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that’s unthinkable—trying to buy God’s gift! You’ll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes. Change your ways—and now! Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money. I can see this is an old habit with you; you reek with money-lust.”
24 “Oh!” said Simon, “pray for me! Pray to the Master that nothing like that will ever happen to me!”
25 And with that, the apostles were on their way, continuing to witness and spread the Message of God’s salvation, preaching in every Samaritan town they passed through on their return to Jerusalem.
The Holy Spirit empowered the people of God to actively witness the Name of Jesus in the midst of Samaritans that they believed in Jesus and were baptized. Peter and John even went down to Samaria to pray for them that they can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. God intended to give His Spirit to God's people that they can be empowered to continue Jesus' mission not only to Jews, but also to Samaria, and even to the end of the world that Jesus' Name can be exalted. Simon, a previous magician, also believed in God's message but was later rebuked by Peter for his wrong attitude of asking for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Dear Holy Spirit, You are the promise of Jesus to God's disciples, no matter we are Jews, Samaritans, or Gentiles. You converted us to believe in God's Gospel; You continue to sanctify us and pour out the love of our Heavenly Father into our heart; and You indwell and empower us to witness the Name of Jesus by your power to the ends of the world. The persecution from the enemies is real and fierce; the temptation of sins are not ceasing; the obstacles are not to be underestimated. But the Holy Spirit who indwell in our heart and empower our ministry is the sufficient strength that we can accomplish Jesus' mission to the end of the world.
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