SEV Biblia, Chapter 8:18
Cuando vio Simn que por la imposicin de las manos de los apstoles se daba el Espíritu Santo, les ofreci dinero,
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Acts 8:18
Verse 18. When Simon saw, &c.] By hearing these speak with different tongues and work miracles. He offered them money] Supposing that the dispensing this Spirit belonged to them-that they could give it to whomsoever they pleased; and imagining that, as he saw them to be poor men, they would not object to take money for their gift; and it is probable that he had gained considerably by his juggling, and therefore could afford to spare some, as he hoped to make it all up by the profit which he expected to derive from this new influence.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 18. And when Simon saw , etc.] Whence it appears, that the Holy Ghost, or his gifts, which were received by imposition of hands, were something visible and discernible; and so something external, and not internal; otherwise they would have been out of Simons reach, and would not have fallen under his notice; but he saw, that through laying on of the apostles hands, the Holy Ghost was given : he saw, that upon this men began to prophesy, and to speak with divers tongues they had never learned, and to work miracles, cure men of their diseases, and the like: and when he observed this, he offered them money ; to purchase such a power of conferring the like gifts, on whomsoever he should lay his hands: hence buying and selling spiritual things, or what relate thereunto, are commonly called simony: a vice which has greatly prevailed in the church of Rome, and among its popes; and who therefore may be more properly called the successors of Simon Magus, than of Simon Peter.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 14-25 - The Holy Ghost was as yet fallen upon none of these coverts, in the extraordinary powers conveyed by the descent of the Spirit upon the da of Pentecost. We may take encouragement from this example, in prayin to God to give the renewing graces of the Holy Ghost to all for whose spiritual welfare we are concerned; for that includes all blessings. N man can give the Holy Spirit by the laying on of his hands; but we should use our best endeavours to instruct those for whom we pray Simon Magus was ambitious to have the honour of an apostle, but care not at all to have the spirit and disposition of a Christian. He wa more desirous to gain honour to himself, than to do good to others Peter shows him his crime. He esteemed the wealth of this world, as i it would answer for things relating to the other life, and woul purchase the pardon of sin, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and eterna life. This was such a condemning error as could by no means consis with a state of grace. Our hearts are what they are in the sight of God, who cannot be deceived. And if they are not right in his sight our religion is vain, and will stand us in no stead. A proud an covetous heart cannot be right with God. It is possible for a man to continue under the power of sin, yet to put on a form of godliness When tempted with money to do evil, see what a perishing thing mone is, and scorn it. Think not that Christianity is a trade to live by in this world. There is much wickedness in the thought of the heart, it false notions, and corrupt affections, and wicked projects, which mus be repented of, or we are undone. But it shall be forgiven, upon ou repentance. The doubt here is of the sincerity of Simon's repentance not of his pardon, if his repentance was sincere. Grant us, Lord another sort of faith than that which made Simon wonder only, and di not sanctify his heart. May we abhor all thoughts of making religio serve the purposes of pride or ambition. And keep us from that subtl poison of spiritual pride, which seeks glory to itself even from humility. May we seek only the honour which cometh from God.
Greek Textus Receptus
θεασαμενος 2300 5666 V-ADP-NSM δε 1161 CONJ ο 3588 T-NSM σιμων 4613 N-NSM οτι 3754 CONJ δια 1223 PREP της 3588 T-GSF επιθεσεως 1936 N-GSF των 3588 T-GPF χειρων 5495 N-GPF των 3588 T-GPM αποστολων 652 N-GPM διδοται 1325 5743 V-PPI-3S το 3588 T-ASN πνευμα 4151 N-ASN το 3588 T-ASN αγιον 40 A-ASN προσηνεγκεν 4374 5656 V-AAI-3S αυτοις 846 P-DPM χρηματα 5536 N-APN
Robertson's NT Word Studies
8:18 {When Simon saw} (idwn de ho simwn). this participle (second aorist active of horaw) shows plainly that those who received the gift of the Holy Spirit spoke with tongues. Simon now saw power transferred to others. Hence he was determined to get this new power. {He offered them money} (prosenegken cremata). Second aorist active indicative of prosferw. He took Peter to be like himself, a mountebank performer who would sell his tricks for enough money. Trafficking in things sacred like ecclesiastical preferments in England is called "Simony" because of this offer of Simon.
