18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” Acts 8:18-24

I don’t do this often but I am repeating these verses to clarify what was being discussed.

It was brought to my attention that Peter strongly rebuked Simon the Sorcerer for good reason: Simon was wrong in wanting to buy the Holy Spirit. Yes, Simon was a new Believer but Peter rightly rebuked him for his desires. Simon was trying to do in the spiritual world what he was successful at in the physical world. He needed to repent of this, and he did. Simon needed that “firm hand.”

The takeaway today is very simple: we’re thankful that we cannot buy the Holy Spirit. They Holy Spirit is not for sale at any price or deal. He resides within us as Believers to strengthen, empower, and encourage us along life’s journey.