A religious culture/system wherein as peers within a community, we can receive honour from one another, while satisfying those who want a little bit of gospel added to their lives -- without ever having to change their heart/life agenda. Jesus alludes to this in the parable of the unjust steward, wherein (because our hearts have not turned) we compromise, erring on the side of a religious construct rather than standing on the Rock which is Christ. And, to some degree, we become presenters of the Word but for the wrong reason. As witnessed in Acts 8, even when we desire to do the right thing, our hearts can still remain blinded, because our hearts remain contrary to the Word. (Luke 16:1-13) But do not despair. There is hope, as evidenced in Acts 8.
Herein, Saul has just consented to Stephen's death. [For those who may not know, Stephen was one of the seven chosen to serve -- full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, and of honest report -- Acts 6:1-8] And because of Saul, there was great persecution against the body of Christ church which was at Jerusalem, and they were scattered abroad, with the exception of the apostles. (Acts 8:2)
Those which were scattered abroad from the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice and Cyprus and Antioch, preaching the Word to none but unto the Jews only. Preaching the Lord Jesus so that their hearts would turn to the Lord. (Acts 11:19-20) At the same time, Saul continues to make havoc of the church, entering into every house and haling men and women, committing those who preached the Word to prison.
Within this environment, Philip is found in the city of Samaria, preaching Christ unto the people. Note that the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. "For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many that were possessed [with them], and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. As a consequence, there was great joy in the city.
In the midst, there was also a certain man named Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one. It reminds me of the time Jesus said that we would believe those who came in their "own name" over the Lord of glory.
"I am come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." (John 5:43)
But I digress. In the community, this same Simon was perceived by the people to be a great one; "to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God." And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries." (Acts 8:9-11)
It was only when the hearts of the people turned and the people believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the Name of Jesus Christ, and were baptized (both men and women) that the scales were removed from their eyes, and the blindness from their hearts. Only then did Simon himself believe also, being baptized, and continuing with Philip. Still, all the while wondering, beholding the miracles and signs which were done among the people. (Acts 8:12-13; Acts 1:2; Acts 8:4)
When the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had gladly received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John; who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost (for as yet He was fallen upon none of them; only they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus). (Acts 2:36-38; Acts 10:44-48)
As an aside, one could suggest that these did not understand the "resurrected gospel" so instead, technically, could be considered still in the tomb -- dead in their understanding that Jesus resurrected is the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:2) Obviously, this changed when the apostles who had come laid hands on those who believed, and they received the Holy Ghost.
However, when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered the apostles money, saying, "Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:18) In other words, Simon thought the Holy Ghost could be purchased with earthly constructs. To some extent, Simon was still thinking of earthy gain. Have we not all been in that place, at one time or another? He was looking at the gospel, as a means to adding to his own personal favour, and not [yet] willing to give all the glory to the Lord God our Savior -- Jesus.
But Peter knew the heart that looked to personal gain first, so he said unto Simon, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither lot in this matter; for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee," (Acts 8:20-22; Acts 2:38; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 11:17)
From the scriptures, we know that "the heart is deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart. I try the reigns, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings ... because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters." (Jeremiah 17:9-13; Romans 2:6; Luke 12:20; Isaiah 1:28)
Thus, herein, Peter is instructing Simon "who was opposing" himself, "if God peradventure will give [him] repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." (II Timothy 2:25) Because, also, as we who believe in Jesus by faith with all of our very being -- with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, recognize that this gift that we have "freely received" is to be freely given. (Matthew 10:8)
We are to preach the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ without building an earthly empire unto ourselves. This is the compromised heart Peter was addressing with Simon.
Peter continues, saying to Simon, "For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity." Then answered Simon, saying, "Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come unto me." (Acts 8:23-25) Simon was essentially asking Peter to pray the effectual fervent prayer because from a righteous man, it availeth much. (James 5:16)
What happens next with Simon is not immediately evident, but what we do know is that the choice to move forward in the Lord's ministry was offered, if his heart would repent, and he would acknowledge the truth of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The doctrine of Christ -- wherein, God Himself was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16; John 1:10-11; Revelation 1:8, 11) Wherein God willingly became our Saviour, clothing Himself in sin prone flesh so that we might have life in Him! (Titus 3:4-7)
There is much more to be gleaned from this example, but let it suffice for now, that we are -- as Jesus said -- to "come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." (Revelation 18:4)
The Lord hath put a purpose in our hearts to fulfill. Stand in the offering plate.
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