So in these first few verses here in Acts 8:9-25
AMPC
9 But there was a man named Simon, who
had formerly practiced magic arts in the city to the utter amazement of the Samaritan nation,
claiming that he himself was an extraordinary and distinguished person.
10 They all paid earnest attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is that exhibition of the power of God which is called great (intense).
11 And they were attentive
and made much of him,
because for a long time he had amazed and bewildered and dazzled themh his skill in magic arts.
I say ------So this man Simon shows us ----that he use to practice sorcery ----which God hates gives great warnings about -----he was prideful ---he had feelings of Grandeur ---and he was peddling the occult that was amazing people which had their thinking twisted and corrupted and deceived -----
The Greek word for Sorcery is this ------and this is where our word Pharmacy comes from
Strong's Concordance
Lexical Summary
pharmakeia: Sorcery, witchcraft
1. the use of drugs, potions, and enchantments
2. poisoning ("pharmacy")
3. (by extension) the occult, witchcraft
4. (by implication) the remedy, the cure
{literally or figuratively}
Topical Lexicon
Definition and Scope
Strong’s Greek 5331 denotes the practice of manipulating human life or circumstances through potions, drugs, or magical arts that invoke supernatural influence apart from the living God. In Scripture it is consistently grouped with sins that fracture covenant fidelity, whether toward God (idolatry) or neighbor (hatred, jealousy, murder).
While the modern term “pharmacy” descends from the same root,
the biblical concern is not legitimate medicine but the use of substances or rituals to gain illicit spiritual power or to deceive.
I say ----So this was definitely not from God as paradox3 said in her 2nd post above ----
This shows us that we humans can be gullible and can be persuaded to believe the false Doctrine that is preached today ---like --God's love will save you -----do good works and your heaven bound ---Jesus was just a prophet ----erc
So in verse 12 ---Philip arrives and is preaching the Good News and these people are lapping it up and believing him ---even Simon --and were baptised ----Now this Baptism was by Water here folks --not the Baptism of the Holy Spirit -----Water Baptism does not give you the Holy Spirit ----it is done as profession of your Faith only -----
AI Overview
In Acts 8:12,
baptism by water is presented as a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ, following belief in the gospel message.
so verses 14 and 15 --are important ---as the Apostles together Prayed for these people to have the Holy Spirit ---
so first they prayed and then Peter and John go there -----
AMPC
14 Now when the apostles (special messengers) at Jerusalem heard that [the country of] Samaria had accepted
and welcomed the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
15
And they came down and prayed for them that the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit;
I say -----So now we see Peter and John arriving to lay hands on these people so they can receive the Holy Spirit ----these People now who were once excluded from God's Chosen are now being accepted into the fold ----
-So why did they get the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands and not when they Believed that Jesus was the Messiah ----
Found this which gives some explanation ---you can read all --I just posted the summery
Don Stewart :: Why Did Peter and John Lay Hands on the Samaritans to Have Them Receive the Holy Spirit?
www.blueletterbible.org
Summary – Question 19
Scripture records that when the people in the area of Samaria first received the Word of God there was a unique event which took place. These people believed in Jesus Christ, were baptized in water, yet did not receive the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, Peter and John came down from Jerusalem and laid hands on the Samaritans. At that point, they received the Holy Spirit.
While some people use this as an argument for a second reception of the Holy Spirit it is clearly not the case.
To begin with, the text makes it explicitly that the Samaritans had not received the Holy Spirit. Consequently they were not looking for any second work of the Spirit – rather they were looking for His initial coming.
There is also the point of view that the faith of the
Samaritans was not saving faith. Their belief was similar to the crowds who saw the miracles of Jesus.
Jesus knew what was in their heart and did not entrust Himself to them.
This is one possible explanation which attempts to explain what took place.
Whatever the explanation may be, there are a number of things we know for certain.
First, this is the only episode in the New Testament where there was a delay in the reception of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, this never happened before or since.
We also know that this was not a second blessing for the Samaritans since none of them had received the Holy Spirit.
An argument that has been put forward is that until the Gentiles would later receive the Holy Spirit
each believer in Jesus, who was not a Jew, was given the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands by the apostles.
There is also the fact that it was obvious that these Samaritans had not received the Holy Spirit upon belief.
This seems to indicate they were expecting some outward sign to confirm the reception of the Spirit.
It is a fact that the apostles were Jesus’ special representatives.
Furthermore,
Peter was promised by Jesus that he would be given the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
This promise was fulfilled.
The Book of Acts records Peter opening the door of the kingdom to the Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles.
The best explanation for the delay concerns the nature of the Samaritans as well as their worship.
They had no dealings with the Jewish people. Indeed, they had their own temple and their own worship system. Had they received the Holy Spirit apart from identifying with the Jewish apostles the separation between the Jews and Samaritans would have continued.
However, with the laying on of hands of the apostles it became clear that they were all “one in Christ.”
One final point to emphasize is
that this was certainly not the norm for the church age.
As we stated,
this was a unique event in the history of the church. Therefore, we should not attempt to find any pattern from what took place so long ago in Samaria.
I say ---So today the scripture clearly tells you how you are saved and what you have to do and believe to be saved --and when you follow the instructions you receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at that moment ---Romans 10:9-----there is no delay today -----and no laying on of hands can give anyone the Holy Spirit today ------
So now we are back to Simon who now sees what Peter does and he wants what Peter has and even offers him money to have this power -----
So here we see one who got water Baptised professing his Faith in Christ with the wrong Heart and Motive and Peter quickly rebukes him ----and tells him to repent and -
Verse 22----- pray to the Lord that, if possible, this ]contriving thought
and purpose of your heart may be removed
and disregarded
and forgiven you.
Simon then asks for Peter and John to pray for him ====
verse 25 speaks for itself -----
25 Now when [the apostles] had borne their testimony and preached the message of the Lord, they went back to Jerusalem, proclaiming the glad tidings (Gospel) to many villages of the Samaritans [on the way].
