Acts 8:9-18

9A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great.

10Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as “the Great One—the Power of God.”

11They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.

12But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized.

13Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed.

14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there.

15As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit.

16The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

17Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.

18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power.