But Peter said unto him, Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
All Commentaries on Acts 8:20 Go To Acts 8
John Chrysostom
AD 407
Why had not these received the Holy Ghost, when baptized? Either because Philip kept this honor for the Apostles; or, because he had not this gift (to impart); or, he was one of the Seven: which is rather to be said. Whence, I take it, this Philip was one of the Apostles. But observe; those went not forth: it was Providentially ordered that these should go forth and those be lacking, because of the Holy Ghost: for they had received power to work miracles, but not also to impart the Spirit to others: this was the prerogative of the Apostles. And observe (how they sent) the chief ones: not any others, but Peter [and John ]. And when Simon, it says, saw that through laying on of the Apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given. He would not have said, And having seen, unless there had been some sensible manifestation. Then laid they their hands on them, etc. Just as Paul also did, when they spoke with tongues. Acts 19:6 Observe the execrable conduct of Simon. He offered money, with what object? And yet he did not see Peter doing this for money. And it was not of ignorance that he acted thus; it was because he would tempt them, because he wished to get matter of accusation against them. And therefore also Peter says, You have no part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God because you have thought, etc.
