Acts 8:4-25

Fireworks in Samaria

The seed had been planted in this region back in John 4 when Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman at a well. The persecution against the church that broke out after Stephen was stoned to death caused Philip, another one of the Seven, to go and preach in Samaria. The results were quite impressive. They were so impressive that when a man named Simon, who had amazed the people with his tricks, saw the wonderful signs that were done through Philip he was strongly attracted to the message of the Gospel. Obviously Philip was doing things that Simon knew he really couldn’t do.

Peter and John ended up coming to Samaria and people started to receive the fulness of the Holy Spirit. Now Simon was really blown away. He wasn’t quite sure how this works but he wanted in on the action. He came to Peter and John speaking the only language he really knew. “I’ll pay you well if you will teach me how to do that. Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Today is July 5th. July 4th is the day we celebrate Independence in the USA. July 5th is the best day of the year to buy fireworks. So, let the fireworks commence. In 1958 J. B. Phillips published “The New Testament in Modern English.” At the time it was revolutionary and today it is still, in my opinion, one of the best translations of the New Testament. I mention it because of how he translates Peter’s response to Simon’s offer. Somehow I feel that he comes closer to capturing the real essence of Peter’s reply than any other translation by about five or ten miles. “To hell with you and your money! How dare you think you could buy the gift of God for money!” Mr Phillips then adds this footnote: “*This is really what the Greek says. It is a pity that modern English usage obscures the literal meaning.”

I first read this translation around 1975 some 36 years ago. It has never left me. So, anytime I hear some so called preacher of the Gospel offering to sell his prayers or some sort of miracle to those who send in a certain amount of money I think of Acts 8:20 and the J. B. Phillips translation. You should too.