9 A man named Simon lived in the city. For quite a while he had practiced evil magic there. He amazed all the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great. 10 All of the people listened to him, from the least important of them to the most important. They exclaimed, "This man is known as the Great Power of God!" 11 He had amazed them for a long time with his magic. So they followed him.
12 But Philip preached the good news of God's kingdom. He preached the name of Jesus Christ. So men and women believed and were baptized. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip everywhere. He was amazed by the great signs and miracles he saw.
14 The apostles in Jerusalem heard that people in Samaria had accepted God's word. So they sent Peter and John to them. 15 When they arrived there, they prayed that the believers would receive the Holy Spirit. 16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them. And they received the Holy Spirit.
18 Simon watched as the apostles placed their hands on them. He saw that the Spirit was given to them. So he offered money to Peter and John. 19 He said, "Give me this power too. Then everyone I place my hands on will receive the Holy Spirit."
20 Peter answered, "May your money be destroyed with you! Do you think you can buy God's gift with money? 21 You have no part or share in this holy work. Your heart is not right with God. 22 Turn away from this evil sin of yours. Pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 I see that you are very bitter. You are a prisoner of sin."
24 Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me. Pray that nothing you have said will happen to me."
25 Peter and John gave witness and preached the Lord's word. Then they returned to Jerusalem. On the way they preached the good news in many villages in Samaria.
*Headline from The Samaritan Sentinel
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