Hechos 8:18

18 Cuando Simón vio que el Espíritu se daba por la imposición de las manos de los apóstoles, les ofreció dinero,

Hechos 8:18 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 8:18

And when Simon saw
Whence it appears, that the Holy Ghost, or his gifts, which were received by imposition of hands, were something visible and discernible; and so something external, and not internal; otherwise they would have been out of Simon's reach, and would not have fallen under his notice; but he saw,

that through laying on of the apostles' hands, the Holy Ghost was
given:
he saw, that upon this men began to prophesy, and to speak with divers tongues they had never learned, and to work miracles, cure men of their diseases, and the like: and when he observed this,

he offered them money;
to purchase such a power of conferring the like gifts, on whomsoever he should lay his hands: hence buying and selling spiritual things, or what relate thereunto, are commonly called "simony": a vice which has greatly prevailed in the church of Rome, and among its popes; and who therefore may be more properly called the successors of Simon Magus, than of Simon Peter.

Hechos 8:18 In-Context

16 pues todavía no había descendido sobre ninguno de ellos; sólo habían sido bautizados en el nombre del Señor Jesús.

17 Entonces les imponían las manos, y recibían el Espíritu Santo.

18 Cuando Simón vio que el Espíritu se daba por la imposición de las manos de los apóstoles, les ofreció dinero,

19 diciendo: Dadme también a mí esta autoridad, de manera que todo aquel sobre quien ponga mis manos reciba el Espíritu Santo.

20 Entonces Pedro le dijo: Que tu plata perezca contigo, porque pensaste que podías obtener el don de Dios con dinero.