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

ACTS 8:18KJV
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Acts 8:18 (KJV)

What does Acts 8:18 mean?

Acts 8:18 describes how Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given to people when the apostles laid their hands on them, and he tried to offer the apostles money so he could have that same ability. The verse shows Simon’s desire to obtain spiritual power through a financial transaction rather than through faith or calling.

Simon, known as Simon the Sorcerer, had been amazed by the miracles and signs performed by the apostles in Samaria. When he noticed that the Holy Spirit was given through the apostles’ hands, he approached them with an offer of money, hoping to buy the power to give the Holy Spirit to others. This sets up a moment where the difference between God’s gifts and human attempts to control or purchase spiritual things becomes clear.

The Greek behind Acts 8:18

  • "Saw" (θεάομαι, theaomai): This word means more than just noticing—it often carries the sense of observing carefully or being deeply impressed. Simon wasn’t just a casual onlooker; he was closely watching the apostles’ actions and the results.
  • "Offered" (προσφέρω, prosphero): This verb means to bring or present something, often as a formal or intentional act. Simon’s offer of money was deliberate, not a passing thought, showing he seriously wanted what the apostles could do.
  • "Money" (χρῆμα, chrēma): This Greek word refers to material wealth or possessions. The use of this word highlights the contrast between spiritual gifts and earthly resources.

Why Acts 8:18 matters

  • Acts 8:18 clarifies that spiritual gifts, especially the giving of the Holy Spirit, cannot be bought or earned with money or human effort.
  • The verse highlights the difference between genuine faith and a transactional approach to spiritual matters, which becomes a key lesson in the surrounding story.
  • This moment sets up the apostles’ strong response, showing that the power of God operates on entirely different principles than worldly power or influence.

Where else these words appear

“on” Greek G1936 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
  • 2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
  • Hebrews 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

“money” Greek G5536 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
  • Luke 18:24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
  • Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

“saw” Greek G2300 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 7:24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
  • John 11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

“offered” Greek G4374 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
  • Hebrews 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.