Acts 8:18

Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,

'SAW'-Which suggests that some visible evidence that people had received the Spirit was easily seen, i.e. the people that the Apostles laid their hands on were able to speak in tongues, prophecy or heal (Acts 2:1 /10)/19).

'THROUGH THE LAYING ON OF THE APOSTLES' HANDS'-And not the laying on of Philip's hands.

Point to Note:

The reason why Peter and John came to Samaria must be found in what they did when they arrived. Philip had the power to perform miracles, but he didn't lay his hands upon the Samaritans. Inferring: (a) Only the apostles could pass on the ability to perform spiritual gifts. (b) Those on whom the apostles laid their hands (like Philip) could not impart the spiritual gifts. 'Had he possessed such power, it would have been unnecessary for Peter and John to make the trip to impart the power.' (Reese p. 325) (c) Therefore when the last apostle died, and those upon whom they had laid their hands, the miracles ceased (1 Corinthians 13:8).

Carefully consider the wisdom of God in this instance: (a) Early on, in the absence of. complete New Testament, newly established congregations were given various gifts, including such things as inspiration and discerning of spirits to protect it from false doctrine. (b) By the time the apostles died, the various New Testament books had been written, distributed, copied and collected. By this time they had the revealed Word to guide them.

'HE OFFERED THEM MONEY'-'Trafficking in things sacred like ecclesiastical preferments in England is called "Simony" because of this offer of Simon.' (Robertson p. 107)

Points to Note:

1. An example which definitely reveals that new converts can still be under misconceptions after they have been baptized. Hence instruction aimed at new converts is essential (Matthew 28:20; Acts 2:42).

Reese notes, 'Simon...has. hard time breaking himself of the desire of such position (i.e. influence over the Samaritan people)...The idea that such knowledge could be purchased also would have come from his background...It was the custom of the time for novice enchanters to purchase the secrets of magic from previous masters in the magic art.' (p. 326)

McGarvey notes, 'As. sorcerer, it had been his business to increase his stock in trade by purchasing from other sorcerers the secret of tricks which he could not himself perform, and watching for opportunities to make such purchases.' (p. 146)