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He had been around a long time and everyone was more or less in awe of him.
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But when Philip came to town announcing the news of God's kingdom and proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ, they forgot Simon and were baptized, becoming believers right and left!
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Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. From that moment he was like Philip's shadow, so fascinated with all the God-signs and miracles that he wouldn't leave Philip's side.
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When the apostles in Jerusalem received the report that Samaria had accepted God's Message, they sent Peter and John down
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to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit.
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Up to this point they had only been baptized in the name of the Master Jesus; the Holy Spirit hadn't yet fallen on them.
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Then the apostles laid their hands on them and they did receive the Holy Spirit.
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When Simon saw that the apostles by merely laying on hands conferred the Spirit, he pulled out his money, excited,
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and said, "Sell me your secret! Show me how you did that! How much do you want? Name your price!"
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Peter said, "To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that's unthinkable - trying to buy God's gift!
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You'll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes.