The Gift Cannot Be Bought

18But when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,

19saying, “Give me also this authority, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could acquire the gift of God with money.”

21You have neither part nor share in this matter, because your heart is not right before God.

22Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord, if perhaps the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.

23For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the bond of unrighteousness.

24But Simon answered, “You pray to the Lord for me, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”