Acts 8:4-24  Philip was one of the 7 men chosen to serve in the church, but when the church was scattered because of the persecution in Jerusalem, Philip went to Samaria.  He began preaching and "proclaiming Christ".  He also performed many signs and wonders, casting out unclean spirits and healing those in need.  The whole city was rejoicing because of what God was doing among them. 

One man in particular came to Philip to be baptized.  Simon was a magician. He gathered a lot of followers and enjoyed the attention he received for his magic. The people called him great.. like a god..   But, when he saw the miracles that Philip was doing, he was amazed and wanted to follow along. 

When Peter and John came to Samaria after hearing what the Lord was doing there, they began laying hands on the believers so that they could receive the Holy Spirit.  Here is where Simon's heart was revealed to the apostles... for he wanted the power to also lay hands on people to give them the Holy Spirit and he was willing to pay for that authority...  Immediately Peter rebuked him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God." 

Peter said that Simon's heart was full of bitterness and he was a slave of iniquity. He told Simon to repent and to "pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you."  Simon, in return, asked them to pray for him themselves.. 

Did Simon repent? Did he find true forgiveness?  Did he receive the Holy Spirit? We are not told.  Hopefully he humbled himself before the Lord and found salvation and freedom from the strongholds that Satan had trapped him in. 

Father in heaven, there are many people who claim to believe in Christ Jesus and may even be baptized.. but their hearts are still not right before You.  We need You, Holy Spirit, to examine all of our  hearts and bring us to full repentance and forgiveness in Jesus.. Set us free from every sin and stronghold that may keep us from having a right heart before You. Keep us, Lord, in the shelter of Your love and grace. Bring us into the fullness of Your Presence to the glory of Your Name we pray. Amen.