Acts 8:9-23 - Wisdom in Discerning Motives in Seekers and New Believers

As we continue praying through Acts, we ask for wisdom to respond to people with mixed motives like like Simon. God, good news about your Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ still draws men and women to you. Some of these people, though, remind us of Simon the Magician, because they have complicated motives. Please help us know how to respond to them for their good and the health of your church in Spain. We pray in Jesus' name. Acts 8:9-23 18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. 19 "Let me have this power, too," he exclaimed, "so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!" 20 But Peter replied, "May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God's gift can be bought! 21 You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. 22 Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, 23 for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin."