Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

ACTS 8:24KJV
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Acts 8:24 (KJV)

What does Acts 8:24 mean?

Acts 8:24 shows Simon asking Peter and John to pray to the Lord for him, so that the warnings they gave would not happen to him. Simon is worried about the consequences Peter described and seeks help through their prayers.

Simon, who had previously practiced sorcery in Samaria, had just been rebuked by Peter for trying to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. In this verse, Simon responds directly to Peter and John, clearly alarmed by what he has heard. Simon’s request shows his fear of judgment and his recognition that he cannot fix the situation on his own.

The Greek behind Acts 8:24

  • προσεύχεσθε (proseuchesthe, "Pray"): This Greek word means to make a request or petition, especially to God. Simon is not just asking for advice; he is urgently asking Peter and John to intercede for him.
  • ὑπὲρ (huper, "for"): This word can mean "on behalf of." Simon wants Peter and John to pray on his behalf, showing he feels unable or unworthy to approach God directly in this moment.
  • ἐπέλθῃ (epelthē, "come upon"): This word carries the sense of something coming down on or overtaking someone. Simon is specifically afraid that the negative consequences Peter mentioned might overtake him.

Why Acts 8:24 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Simon was defiant after Peter’s rebuke; instead, he is shown as fearful and seeking help.
  • Acts 8:24 highlights the seriousness with which early Christians viewed spiritual consequences and the power of prayer.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by showing the impact of Peter’s words and the gravity of misusing spiritual gifts or authority.

Where else these words appear

“come” Greek G1904 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
  • Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
  • Acts 14:19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

“Pray” Greek G1189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
  • Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
  • Acts 26:3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

“that” Greek G3704 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Acts 23:15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

“Simon” Greek G4613 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
  • John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.