Since the Day of Pentecost, people receive dunamis as soon as they receive the Holy Spirit. It is the power of the Heavenly Father that soaks the individual once the individual confesses Jesus as Lord and Savior. This power reveals our calling, and the glory of the Father. The word dunamis was translated from the Greek into Hebrew with twenty six different words as we noted last week. This is simply more confusing than it needs to be. Dunamis is the same word translated as “hosts, armies, or forces”. The power and ability we are covered with is the power of the Lord’s armies. After Pentecost the disciples traveled all over Israel in the dunamis of the Living God. They caused quite a stir and many people saw the miracles and were saved. The Samaritans received Jesus as Lord when he was alive, now we see them eagerly receiving the Holy Spirit and dunamis. We also see a magus who wanted to buy the Holy Spirit and dunamis.
A disciple named Philip, also known as Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven deacons of Jerusalem, went into Samaria to preach the good news, sharing Jesus as Christ. The people of Samaria loved Jesus. They did not want Jesus to go to Jerusalem before his death. They already believed that he was the Messiah. When Philip went to Samaria many got healed.
Acts 8:4 G3588 The ones G3303 then G3767 G1289 being scattered G1330 went through G2097 announcing good news -- G3588 the G3056 word.
5 G* And Philip G1161 G2718 going down G1519 unto G4172 a city G3588 G* of Samaria, G2784 proclaimed G1473 to them G3588 the G5547 Christ.
6 G4337 [4took heed G5037 1And G3588 2the G3793 3multitudes] G3588 to the things G3004 being said G5259 by G3588 G* Philip G3661 with one accord, G1722 in G3588 G191 their hearing G1473 G2532 and G991 seeing G3588 the G4592 signs G3739 which G4160 he did.
4592 LSJ Gloss:σημεῖον a sign, a mark, token
Dodson:σημεῖον a sign, miracle, indication a sign, miracle, indication, mark, token.
Thayer:
1) a sign, mark, token
1a) that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known
1b) a sign, prodigy, portent, i.e. an unusual occurrence, transcending the common course of nature
1b1) of signs portending remarkable events soon to happen
1b2) of miracles and wonders by which God authenticates the men sent by him, or by which men prove that the cause they are pleading is God's
σημεῖον
sēmeion say-mi'-on Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of G4591; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally KJV Usage: miracle, sign, token, wonder.
The multitudes saw the miracles that Philip did. Unclean spirits came out of many people. What is an unclean spirit? It is a demon. The Holy Spirit is a clean spirit. The people heard and saw miracles. Maybe Philip was speaking knowledge, wisdom, or prophecies. Maybe Philip was ministering healing and casting out some demons. He may have made a speech about how these things are happening through the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Glory of the Father. Then something big happened.
Acts 8:7 G4183 For many G1063 G3588 of the ones G2192 having G4151 [2spirits G169 1unclean], G994 yelling G5456 [2voice G3173 1a great] G1831 came forth; G4183 and many G1161 G3886 having been disabled G2532 and G5560 lame G2323 were cured.
169 LSJ Gloss:ἀκάθαρτος uncleansed, unclean, impure
Dodson:ἀκάθαρτος unclean, impure.
Thayer:
1) not cleansed, unclean
1a) in a ceremonial sense: that which must be abstained from according to the levitical law
1b) in a moral sense: unclean in thought and life
ἀκάθαρτος
akathartos ak-ath'-ar-tos From G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of G2508 (meaning cleansed); impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specifically (demonic)) KJV Usage: foul, unclean.
994 LSJ Gloss:βοάω to cry aloud, to shout
Dodson:βοάω I shout, call aloud I shout, call aloud, proclaim.
Thayer:
1) to raise a cry, of joy pain etc.
2) to cry, speak with a high, strong voice
3) to cry to one for help, to implore his aid
For Synonyms see entry G5823
βοάω
boaō bo-ah'-o Apparently a prolonged form of a primary verb; to halloo, that is, shout (for help or in a tumultuous way) KJV Usage: cry.
3886 LSJ Gloss:παραλύω to loose from the side, take off, detach
Dodson:παραλύω I relax, enfeeble I relax, enfeeble, weaken.
Thayer:
1) to loose on one side or from the side
2) to loose or part things placed side by side
3) to loosen, dissolve
4) to weaken, enfeeble
5) suffering from the relaxing of the nerves, unstrung, weak of limb
6) tottering, weakened, feeble knees
παραλύω
paraluō par-al-oo'-o From G3844 and G3089; to loosen beside, that is, relax (perfect passive participle paralyzed or enfeebled) KJV Usage: feeble, sick of the (taken with) palsy.
5560 LSJ Gloss:χωλός lame
Dodson:χωλός lame, deprived of a foot lame, deprived of a foot, limping.
Thayer:
1) lame
1a) deprived of a foot, maimed
χωλός
chōlos kho-los' Apparently a primary word; “halt”, that is, limping KJV Usage: cripple, halt, lame.
2323 LSJ Gloss:θεραπεύω to be an attendant, do service
Dodson:θεραπεύω I care for, attend, serve, heal I care for, attend, serve, treat, especially of a physician; hence: I heal.
Thayer:
1) to serve, do service
2) to heal, cure, restore to health
θεραπεύω
therapeuō ther-ap-yoo'-o From the same as G2324; to wait upon menially, that is, (figuratively) to adore (God), or (specifically) to relieve (of disease) KJV Usage: cure, heal, worship.
In many people that had demonic spirits, the spirits came out of them yelling. That must have been quite a scene. There are many people today who don’t believe in casting out demons, but if we notice what happened, those demons came out of those people screaming, and the people were healed. The demons did not want to go, but the power of God scares them, which is why they scream. Today people are fearful of letting others know they have demons, they would rather keep them than kick them out. This is one reason the called out are so infirm today. The people who were feeble and lame were all made whole. The people who were sick were cured. There was great joy in Samaria. Healing brings great joy.
Acts 8:8 G2532 And G1096 came to pass G5479 [2joy G3173 1a great] G1722 in G3588 G4172 that city. G1565
Doesn’t it seem odd that Samaria received multitudes of cured people when the Jews thought so little of the Samaritans? Because the Assyrians resettled the region of Samaria with people from Assyria and people who were mixed Jews, the Jews from Judah considered them dogs. “Good Jews” would travel around the region of Samaria to the east, instead of going through the region from north to south; thus adding many miles just to avoid the Samaritans. Yet the Samaritans received the Lord Jesus and were healed.
In Samaria, as in most communities, there was a magician who was doing pseudo-miracles. People thought of him as a great man until Philip came to town.
Acts 8:9 G435 [3man G1161 1And G5100 2a certain], G3686 by name G* Simon, G4391 beforehand G1722 in G3588 the G4172 city G3096 was practicing magic, G2532 and G1839 amazing G3588 the G1484 nation G3588 G* of Samaria, G3004 saying G1510.1 [2to be G5100 3some G1438 1himself] G3173 great one.
3096 LSJ Gloss:μαγεύωto be a Magus, use magic arts
Dodson:μαγεύωI practice sorcery or magic.
Thayer:
1) to be a magician, to practise magical arts
μαγεύω
mageuō mag-yoo'-o From G3097; to practice magic KJV Usage: use sorcery.
Simon practiced magic that amazed people. There are many people who practice magic, manipulate the elements, and direct demons. Sometimes it looks like they have power, but what they have is simply magic tricks. They do not have dunamis, they have simple authority over demons; but they do not have the force that the children of the Living God have. Before Philip came to Samaria the people thought Simon had the dunamis of the Mega God. They didn’t realize all he had were a bag of tricks from the Acme Magic Company.
Acts 8:10 G3739 To whom G4337 all gave heed G3956 G575 from G3397 small G2193 unto G3173 great, G3004 saying, G3778 This one G1510.2.3 is G3588 the G1411 power G3588 of the G2316 [2God G3588 G3173 1great].
11 G4337 And they were giving heed G1161 G1473 to him, G1223 because G3588 G2425 for a fit amount of G5550 time G3588 with the G3095 magic G1839 he amazed G1473 them.
3095 LSJ Gloss:μαγεία the theology
Dodson:μαγεία magic.
Thayer:
1) magic, magic arts, sorceries
μαγεία
mageia mag-i'-ah From G3096; “magic” KJV Usage: sorcery.
The true dunamis only comes from the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Simon used demons, or sleight of hand, or other manipulations that made people think he had power. But when the people believed Philip and saw real dunamis, they were baptized. So was Simon. Simon then attended to Philip seeing the dunamis and signs and Simon himself was amazed.
Acts 8:12 G3753 And when G1161 G4100 they believed G3588 G* Philip G2097 announcing good news, G3588 the things G4012 concerning G3588 the G932 kingdom G3588 G2316 of God, G2532 and G3588 the G3686 name G* of Jesus G5547 Christ, G907 they were immersed, G435 both men G5037 G2532 and G1135 women.
13 G3588 G1161 And G* Simon G2532 even G1473 himself G4100 believed, G2532 and G907 having been immersed, G1510.7.3 was G4342 constantly attending to G3588 G* Philip; G2334 and viewing G5037 G1411 works of power G2532 and G4592 signs G1096 being done G1839 he was amazed.
4342 LSJ Gloss:προσκαρτερέω to persist obstinately in
Dodson:προσκαρτερέω I persist I persist, persevere in, continue steadfast in; I wait upon.
Thayer:
1) to adhere to one, be his adherent, to be devoted or constant to one
2) to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing
3) to continue all the time in a place
4) to persevere and not to faint
5) to show one's self courageous for
6) to be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly
προσκαρτερέω
proskartereō pros-kar-ter-eh'-o From G4314 and G2594; to be earnest towards, that is, (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor) KJV Usage: attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually).
Simon stuck to Philip like glue. He earnestly and diligently attended to Philip viewing both dunamis and sēmeion (signs) being birthed. The magus knew that Philip’s dunamis was greater than anything he had. The miracles of Philip caused such a stir, they heard about it all the way down in Jerusalem.
Acts 8:14 G191 [6having heard G1161 1And G3588 2the G1722 4in G* 5Jerusalem G652 3apostles] G3754 that G1209 Samaria received G3588 G* G3588 the G3056 word G3588 G2316 of God, G649 sent G4314 to G1473 them G3588 G* Peter G2532 and G* John.
15 G3748 Who G2597 having gone down G4336 prayed G4012 concerning G1473 them, G3704 that G2983 they should receive G4151 [2spirit G39 1holy].
4336 LSJ Gloss:προσεύχομαι to offer prayers
Dodson:προσεύχομαι I pray, pray for I pray, pray for, offer prayer.
Thayer:
1) to offer prayers, to pray
προσεύχομαι
proseuchomai pros-yoo'-khom-ahee From G4314 and G2172; to pray to God, that is, supplicate, worship KJV Usage: pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer.
2983 LSJ Gloss:λαμβάνω to take
Dodson:λαμβάνω I receive, take (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.
Thayer:
1) to take
1a) to take with the hand, lay hold of, any person or thing in order to use it
1a1) to take up a thing to be carried
1a2) to take upon one's self
1b) to take in order to carry away
1b1) without the notion of violence, i,e to remove, take away 1
λαμβάνω
lambanō lam-ban'-o A prolonged form of a primary verb, which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively [probably objective or active, to get hold of; whereas G1209 is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while G138 is more violent, to seize or remove ]) KJV Usage: accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).
There was no phone or internet so someone had to travel from Samaria (the place “good Jews” didn’t go) to Jerusalem and share this information. Since Jesus traveled through Samaria a few times with the disciples, the disciples didn’t mind traveling into Samaria. Peter and John were sent to pray for the Samaritans to lay hold of the Holy Spirit. The people were baptized, but they had not received the Holy Spirit and consequently they didn’t know they could have dunamis.
Acts 8:16 G3768 For not yet G1063 G1510.7.3 was it G1909 [2upon G3762 3any one G1473 4of them G1968 1falling]; G3440 but only G1161 G907 [2immersed G5224 1being] G1519 in G3588 the G3686 name G3588 of the G2962 Lord G* Jesus.
1968 LSJ Gloss:ἐπιπίπτω to fall upon
Dodson:ἐπιπίπτω I fall upon, press upon I fall upon, press upon, light upon, come over.
Thayer:
1) to fall upon, to rush or press upon
1a) to lie upon one
1b) to fall into one's embrace
1c) to fall back upon
2) metaph.
2a) to fall upon one i.e. to seize, take possession of him
2a1) of the Holy Spirit, in his inspiration and impulse
2a2) of reproaches cast upon one
ἐπιπίπτω
epipiptō ep-ee-pip'-to From G1909 and G4098; to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: fall into (on, upon), lie on, press upon.
The people were immersed in the name of Jesus. This is the confession of the one immersing the repentant individual. The individual is the one who has to confess Jesus as Lord themselves. That does not mean that the people didn’t do that as well, but that is not what is written here, therefore it is something we don’t know. This is a contention between Christian groups, as some people argue about baptizing in the name of Jesus or in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, or all of the above. There is no magic formula, magic words, or magic procedure. It is not the words or procedure it is the intent of the heart.
If we remember, on Pentecost Peter told people to repent and be baptized. He said this in the temple courts, not at a river or pond. The Samaritans were baptized, but they didn’t know that they could receive the Holy Spirit too. On the day of Pentecost the disciples were in the temple in prayer, waiting, not down by the river immersing. The baptizing is simply a symbol of repentance, emerging from the water clean and pure. While baptizing or immersing is a good idea as a public declaration, it is not the requirement for receiving the Holy Spirit. Philip may have been among the many disciples who received the Holy Spirit and dunamis on the day of Pentecost, yet he didn’t teach the Samaritans to lay hold of the Holy Spirit. If we remember, Apollos also had to be taught how to pray for people to receive the Holy Spirit. Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit first, simply by believing in Jesus as Messiah as Peter spoke. Afterward, Peter thought about baptizing them. Baptizing is one thing, receiving the Holy Spirit and dunamis is another. Water does not necessarily proceed Spirit and power.
Peter and John placed their hands on many people in Samaria and they received the Holy Spirit. Laying hands on people is not a requirement to receiving the Holy Spirit, any more than baptizing is. We have to stop looking for a special formula or else we may end up looking like baseball players practicing their silly superstitions before getting up to bat. Instead we minister to the heart of the people, led by the Holy Spirit. Simon is a great example of this as we will see.
Acts 8:17 G5119 Then G2007 they placed G3588 the G5495 hands G1909 upon G1473 them, G2532 and G2983 they received G4151 [2spirit G39 1holy].
2007 LSJ Gloss:ἐπιτίθημι to lay, put
Dodson:ἐπιτίθημι I put, place upon, lay on I put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition.
Thayer:
1) in the active voice
1a) to put or lay upon
1b) to add to
2) in the middle voice
2a) to have put on, bid to be laid on
2b) to lay or throw one's self upon
2c) to attack one, to make an assault on one
ἐπιτίθημι
epitithēmi ep-ee-tith'-ay-mee From G1909 and G5087; to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense) KJV Usage: add unto, lade, lay upon, put (up) on, set on (up), + surname, X wound.
Peter and John lay hands on people which is simply a way to use the dunamis they had to clothe the Samaritans in the Holy Spirit and dunamis. When Simon saw this he was amazed. I would guess what Simon actually saw was people speaking in tongues, magnifying the wonderful works of God. There had to be an outward sign of something different otherwise what could they see and hear that was different before being filled with the Holy Spirit?
Acts 8:18 G2300 [3seeing G1161 1And G3588 G* 2Simon] G3754 that G1223 through G3588 the G1936 laying on G3588 of the G5495 hands G3588 of the G652 apostles G1325 [4was given G3588 1the G4151 3spirit G3588 G39 2holy], G4374 he brought G1473 to them G5536 things,
1936 LSJ Gloss:ἐπίθεσις a laying on
Dodson:ἐπίθεσις laying on a laying on; an attack, assault.
Thayer:
1) a laying on, impositionThe imposition of hands was a sacred rite transmitted by the Jews to the Christians, and employed in praying for another, or in conferring upon him divine blessings, especially bodily health, or the Holy Spirit (at the administration of baptism and the inauguration to their office of the teachers and ministers of the church).
ἐπίθεσις
epithesis ep-ith'-es-is From G2007; an imposition (of hands officially) KJV Usage: laying (putting) on.
5536 LSJ Gloss:χρῆμα a thing that one uses
Dodson:χρῆμα money, riches money, riches, possessions.
Thayer:
1) a thing, a matter, affair, event, business
1a) spec. money, riches
χρῆμα
chrēma khray'-mah Something useful or needed, that is, wealth, price KJV Usage: money, riches.
It was not a ritual or ceremonial laying on of hands, they simply set their hands in place. Simon sees it as an imposition or process, something imposed. Peter and John did not impose the Holy Spirit on people. They simply put their hands on people to impart via their own dunamis. The first evidence of the indwelling Holy Spirit was probably tongues of fire as on Pentecost. Now Simon wants to use his hands to impose the power of the Holy Spirit on others. Again, it is not about hands, there is no formula. The Holy Spirit doesn’t necessarily need the hands of men. People may make a religion out of laying on hands to receive the Holy Spirit, but it is only a religious superstition. Note again what occurred at the house of Cornelius. Simon brought Peter and John gifts because he wanted dunamis in his hands.
Acts 8:19 G3004 saying, G1325 Give G2504 to me also G3588 G1849 this authority, G3778 G2443 that G3739 whom G302 ever G2007 I should place G3588 the G5495 hands G2983 should receive G4151 [2spirit G39 1holy].
1849 LSJ Gloss:ἐξουσία power
Dodson:ἐξουσία power, authority, weight (a) power, authority, weight, especially: moral authority, influence, (b) in a quasi-personal sense, derived from later Judaism, of a spiritual power, and hence of an earthly power.
Thayer:
1) power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases
1a) leave or permission
2) physical and mental power
2a) the ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises
3) the power of authority (influence) and of right (privi
ἐξουσία
exousia ex-oo-see'-ah From G1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, that is, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence KJV Usage: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
Simon wants the authority, exousia, to give people the Holy Spirit by putting his hands on them. It looked like magic to the magician. Simon didn’t know believers in Jesus as Messiah already had exousia. What Simon wanted was dunamis. Simon was willing to pay for this trick. Yet as we can see from a global perspective, there doesn’t need to be the laying on of hands for the Holy Spirit to fall, nor baptism in water. It is the confession of Jesus as Lord and Savior that the individual reports which brings the Holy Spirit, like clothing, on someone. Yet if you don’t know you are covered, or have dunamis, you need someone to tell you. Peter doesn’t like Simons request.
Acts 8:20 G* And Peter G1161 G2036 said G1473 to him, G3588 G694 [2your money G1473 G4862 4with G1473 5you G1510.4 1May 3be] G1519 unto G684 destruction, G3754 for G3588 [2the G1431 3gift G3588 G2316 4of God G3543 1you thought G1223 6by G5536 7things G2932 5 is to be acquired].
684 LSJ Gloss:ἀπώλεια destruction
Dodson:ἀπώλεια destruction, ruin, loss destruction, ruin, loss, perishing; eternal ruin.
Thayer:
1) destroying, utter destruction
1a) of vessels
2) a perishing, ruin, destruction
2a) of money
2b) the destruction which consists of eternal misery in hell
ἀπώλεια
apōleia ap-o'-li-a From a presumed derivative of G622; ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal) KJV Usage: damnable (-nation), destruction, die, perdition, X perish, pernicious ways, waste.
1431 LSJ Gloss:δωρεά a gift, present
Dodson:δωρεά a free gift a (free) gift, a gift (without repayment).
Thayer:
1) a gift
For Synonyms see entry G5839
δωρεά
dōrea do-reh-ah' From G1435; a gratuity KJV Usage: gift.
2932 LSJ Gloss:κτάομαι to procure for oneself, to get, gain, acquire
Dodson:κτάομαι I win, get, buy, possess (a) I acquire, win, get, purchase, buy, (b) I possess, win mastery over.
Thayer:
κτάομαι, -ῶμαι; fut. κτήσομαι (Lk. xxi. 19 L Tr WH); 1 aor. ἐκτησάμην; [fr. Hom. down]; Sept. for קָנָה; to acquire, get or procure a thing for one's self [cf. W. 260 (244)]; (pf. κέκτημαι, to possess [cf. W. 274 (257) note]; not found in the N. T.): τί, Mt. x. 9; Acts viii. 20; ὅσα κτῶμαι, all my income, Lk. xviii. 12; with gen. of price added [W. 206 (194)], πολλοῦ, Acts xxii. 28; with ἐκ and gen. of price (see ἐκ, II. 4), Acts i. 18; τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σκεῦος ἐν ἁγιασμῷ κ. τιμῇ, to produce for himself his own vessel (i. e. for the satisfaction or the sexual passion; see σκεῦος, 1) in sanctification and honor, i. e. to marry a wife (opp. to the use of a harlot; the words ἐν ἁγ. κ. τιμῇ are added to express completely the idea of marrying in contrast with the baseness of procurring a harlot as his 'vessel'; cf. κτᾶσθαι γυναῖκα, of marrying a wife, Ruth iv. 10; Sir. xxxvi. 29 (xxxiii. 26); Xen. symp. 2, 10), 1 Th. iv. 4; τὰς ψυχὰς ὑμῶν, the true life of your souls, your true lives, i. e. eternal life (cf. the opp. ζημιοῦσθαι τὴν ψ. αὐτοῦ under ζημιόω), Lk. xxi. 19; cf. Meyer ad loc. and W. p. 274 (257).*
1) to acquire, get, or procure a thing for one's self, to possess
1a) to marry a wife
κτάομαι
ktaomai ktah'-om-ahee A primary verb; to get, that is, acquire (by any means; own) KJV Usage: obtain, possess, provide, purchase.
Simon’s request was damnable. One cannot buy the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom, dwells within those who confess Jesus as Lord. The Holy Spirit is the same Spirit that dwelt on the prophets and Solomon. The Spirit was given as a gift to Solomon as he asked for wisdom not riches. For the people who confess Jesus to be their Lord, the Holy Spirit is freely given. We do not walk around uncovered; we are covered with dunamis. Yet we cannot buy it or purchase it. We lay hold of the Holy Spirit and dunamis via our confession.
Acts 8:21 G3756 There is no G1510.2.3 G1473 portion to you G3310 G3761 nor G2819 lot G1722 in G3588 G3056 this matter; G3778 G3588 G1063 for G2588 your heart G1473 G3756 is not G1510.2.3 G2117 straight G1799 before G3588 G2316 God.
3310 LSJ Gloss:μερίς a part, portion, share, parcel
Dodson:μερίς a part, portion (a) a part, division of a country, (b) a share, portion.
Thayer:
1) a part as distinct from the whole
2) an assigned part, a portion, share
μερίς
meris mer-ece' Feminine of G3313; a portion, that is, province, share or (abstractly) participation KJV Usage: part (X -akers).
2819 LSJ Gloss:κλῆρος a lot;
Dodson:κλῆρος a lot, portion (a) a lot, (b) a portion assigned; hence: a portion of the people of God assigned to one's care, a congregation.
Thayer:
1) an object used in casting or drawing lots, which was either a pebble, or a potsherd, or a bit of wood
1a) the lots of several persons concerned, inscribed with their names, were thrown together into a vase, which was then shaken, and he whose lot fell out first upon the ground was the one chosen
2) what is obtained by lot, allotted portion
2a) a portion of the ministry common to the apostles
2b) used of the part which one will have in eternal salvation
2b1) of salvation itself
2b2) the eternal salvation which God has assigned to the saints
2c) of persons
2c1) those whose care and oversight has been assigned to one [allotted charge], used of Christian churches, the administration of which falls to the lot of presbyters
κλῆρος
klēros klay'-ros Probably from G2806 (through the idea of using bits of wood, etc., for the purpose); a die (for drawing chances); by implication a portion (as if so secured); by extension an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively) KJV Usage: heritage, inheritance, lot, part.
2117 LSJ Gloss:εὐθύς straight, direct straight
Dodson:εὐθύς straight, immediately adj: (a) straight of direction, as opposed to crooked, (b) upright; adv: immediately.
Thayer:
1) straight, level
2) straight forward, upright, true, sincere
3) straightway, immediately, forthwith
εὐθύς
euthus yoo-thoos' Perhaps from G2095 and G5087; straight, that is, (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once KJV Usage: anon, by and by, forthwith, immediately, straightway.
1799 Dodson:ἐνώπιον before the face of, in the presence of before the face of, in the presence of, in the eyes of.
Thayer:
1) in the presence of, before
1a) of occupied place: in that place which is before, or over against, opposite, any one and towards which another turns his eyes
ἐνώπιον
enōpion en-o'-pee-on Neuter of a compound of G1722 and a derivation of G3700; in the face of (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: before, in the presence (sight) of, to.
Peter says there is no part, portion, or participation for Simon because his heart is not level or straight before the face of God. Let’s think about this. If one repents and is immersed, one should be clean in their heart. However we didn’t read that Simon had any demons cast out of him. It was the multitudes that had demons screaming as they left people. Simon saw this and wanted this power. But Simon didn’t get rid of the demons in his own heart. This is a problem for us to understand because we don’t normally look at people and see their demons, which may be why they lack power as a Christian. It is something we should be aware of. If a Christian does not walk in signs, miracles, and wonders, that Christian may be harboring demons within. Simply put, a person who has demons influencing them does not have dunamis being directed by the Father. The power of dunamis is not activated in those who are demonically compromised. Like Simon, those people may do pseudo miracles, or magic tricks, but they do not utilize dunamis.
Acts 8:22 G3340 Repent G3767 then G575 from G3588 G2549 [2your evil G1473 G3778 1this], G2532 and G1189 beseech G3588 G2316 God! G1487 if G686 then G863 [4shall be forgiven G1473 5you G3588 1the G1963 2thought G3588 G2588 3of your heart]; G1473
3340 LSJ Gloss:μετανοέω to change one's mind
Dodson:μετανοέω I repent, change my mind I repent, change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God), repent.
Thayer:
1) to change one's mind, i.e. to repent
2) to change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins
For Synonyms see entry G5862
μετανοέω
metanoeō met-an-o-eh'-o From G3326 and G3539; to think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction) KJV Usage: repent.
2549 LSJ Gloss:κακία badness
Dodson:κακία evil, wickedness, malice (a) evil (i.e. trouble, labor, misfortune), (b) wickedness, (c) vicious disposition, malice, spite.
Thayer:
1) malignity, malice, ill-will, desire to injure
2) wickedness, depravity
2a) wickedness that is not ashamed to break laws
3) evil, trouble
For Synonyms see entry G5855
κακία
kakia kak-ee'-ah From G2556; badness, that is, (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble KJV Usage: evil, malice (-iousness), naughtiness, wickedness.
863 LSJ Gloss:ἀφίημι to send forth, discharge
Dodson:ἀφίημι I send away, release, remit, forgive, permit (a) I send away, (b) I let go, release, permit to depart, (c) I remit, forgive, (d) I permit, suffer.
Thayer:
1) to send away
1a) to bid going away or depart
1a1) of a husband divorcing his wife
1b) to send forth, yield up, to expire
1c) to let go, let alone, let be
1c1) to disregard
1c2) to leave, not to discuss now, (a topic)
1c21) of teachers, writers and speakers
1c3) to omit, neglect
1d) to let go, give up a debt, forgive, to remit
1e) to give up, keep no longer
2) to permit, allow, not to hinder, to give up a thing to a person
3) to leave, go way from one
3a) in order to go to another place
3b) to depart from any one
3c) to depart from one and leave him to himself so that all mutual claims are abandoned
3d) to desert wrongfully
3e) to go away leaving something behind
3f) to leave one by not taking him as a companion
3g) to leave on dying, leave behind one
3h) to leave so that what is left may remain, leave remaining
3i) abandon, leave destitute
ἀφίημι
aphiēmi af-ee'-ay-mee From G575 and ἵημι hiēmi (to send; an intensive form of εἶμι eimi (to go)); to send forth, in various applications KJV Usage: cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up.
1963 LSJ Gloss:ἐπίνοια a thinking on
Dodson:ἐπίνοια thought, purpose thought, purpose, design, intent.
Thayer:
1) thought, purpose
ἐπίνοια
epinoia ep-in'-oy-ah From G1909 and G3563; attention of the mind, that is, (by implication) purpose KJV Usage: thought.
Peter tells Simon to repent from his wickedness. What was wicked? Trying to buy the dunamis of the Holy Spirit. Peter then says to ask God to forgive the thought and intent in his heart. This tells us that the thoughts and intents of Simons heart were corrupted by demons. Demons cannot use dunamis because the Heavenly Father energizes and directs dunamis. This is something uneducated people accuse Christians of, utilizing the power of the satan in miracles and healing. What the uneducated do not understand is that the Father of glory is in control of dunamis and it is through the Father that miracles are imparted. People with the Holy Spirit and dunamis do not act out of their own logic or reason. The Holy Spirit works through a submitted person, that is how dunamis is used. The satan is not interested in healing people and then having those people glorify the Father, Son, and/or the Holy Spirit for their healing, making more disciples for Jesus. If people do not get healed, the satan is perfectly happy to allow people to accuse the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit, of not healing them. However healing is from the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Demons cannot use the dunamis of the Father of Glory. Just being close to it would cause them to scream in agony. The power of dunamis would torture demons.
Acts 8:23 G1519 for in G1063 G5521 bile G4088 of bitterness, G2532 and G4886 bond G93 of unrighteousness G3708 I see G1473 you G1510.6 being.
5521 LSJ Gloss:χολή gall, bile
Dodson:χολή gall, bitter herbs.
Thayer:
1) bile, gall
2) in the OT used of other bitter things
2a) wormwood
2b) possibly myrrh
χολή
cholē khol-ay' Feminine of an equivalent perhaps akin to the same as G5514 (from the greenish hue); “gall” or bile, that is, (by analogy) poison or an anodyne (wormwood, poppy, etc.) KJV Usage: gall.
4088 LSJ Gloss:πικρία bitterness
Dodson:πικρία bitterness bitterness, harshness, hence met: an embittered (resentful) spirit.
Thayer:
1) bitter gall
1a) extreme wickedness
1b) a bitter root, and so producing a bitter fruit
1c) metaph. bitterness, bitter hatred
πικρία
pikria pik-ree'-ah From G4089; acridity (especially poison), literally or figuratively KJV Usage: bitterness.
4886 LSJ Gloss:σύνδεσμος a bond of union, bond, fastening
Dodson:σύνδεσμος a band, bond that which binds together; a band, bond.
Thayer:
1) that which binds together, a band, bond
1a) of ligaments by which the members of the human body are united together
2) that which is bound together, a bundle
σύνδεσμος
sundesmos soon'-des-mos From G4862 and G1199; a joint tie, that is, ligament, (figuratively) uniting principle, control KJV Usage: band, bond.
93 LSJ Gloss:ἀδικία wrong-doing, injustice
Dodson:ἀδικία unrighteousness injustice, unrighteousness, hurt.
Thayer:
1) injustice, of a judge
2) unrighteousness of heart and life
3) a deed violating law and justice, act of unrighteousness
ἀδικία
adikia ad-ee-kee'-ah From G94; (legal) injustice (properly the quality, by implication the act); moral wrongfulness (of charater, life or act) KJV Usage: iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.
Simon was living with the bile of bitterness. This tells us that bitterness is a hinderance to receiving the dunamis of God. Simon was a big deal until Philip showed up. Then when people were freed from their demonic oppression Simon wanted to be part of that too. What a great thing for a magus to do, cast out demons and heal the lame and infirm, all while getting paid. However his heart was not to do this for the glory of the Lord, but for his own glory. It took time for Peter and John to show up in Samaria. Simon was bitter and tied up in injustice. This is the entrance for demons to occupy him.
Acts 8:24 G611 And responding G1161 G3588 G* Simon G2036 said, G1189 You beseech G1473 G5228 for G1473 me G4314 to G3588 the G2962 Lord! G3704 so that G3367 nothing G1904 should come G1909 upon G1473 me G3739 of which G2046 you have said.
1189 Dodson:δέομαι I request, beg I want for myself; I want, need; I beg, request, beseech, pray.
Thayer:
1) to want, lack
2) to desire, long for
3) to ask, beg
3a) the thing asked for
3b) to pray, make supplications
For Synonyms see entry G5802
δέομαι
deomai deh'-om-ahee Middle voice of G1210; to beg (as binding oneself), that is, petition KJV Usage: beseech, pray (to), make request.
1904 LSJ Gloss:ἐπέρχομαι ibo
Dodson:ἐπέρχομαι I approach, overtake, attack I come to, arrive, come on, come upon, attack.
Thayer:
1) to come to arrive
1a) of time, come on, be at hand, be future
2) to come upon, overtake, one
2a) of sleep
2b) of disease
2c) of calamities
2d) of the Holy Spirit, descending and operating in one
2e) of an enemy attacking one
ἐπέρχομαι
eperchomai ep-er'-khom-ahee From G1909 and G2064; to supervene, that is, arrive, occur, impend, attack, (figuratively) influence KJV Usage: come (in, upon).
Now Simon asks Peter and John for a favor, he wants them to beg the Father that he would not be overtaken in the things Peter said. We don’t know if Peter prayed for Simon or not. We also don’t know what happened to Simon. Peter and John returned to Jerusalem.
Acts 8:25 G3588 They G3303 indeed G3767 then, G1263 testifying G2532 and G2980 having spoken G3588 the G3056 word G3588 of the G2962 Lord, G5290 returned G1519 unto G* Jerusalem, G4183 and in many G5037 G2968 towns G3588 of the G* Samaritans G2097 they announced good news.
Along the way through Samaria, Peter and John announced the good news. It is a wonderful thing that the Samaritans received Jesus as Lord and Messiah. It was something that made the Jews mad. Jerusalem was tumultuous and the disciples were spreading out. Philip the evangelist was the one who went into Samaria. The coming and indwelling of the Holy Spirit was a new thing and everyone was learning. After this, Philip met up with a Eunuch from Ethiopia. Philip taught him about Jesus who was the one who fulfilled the scripture Isaiah 53:6-7 that the Eunuch was reading. The Eunuch believed on Jesus as Lord and Messiah. Philip was caught away by the Spirit and was found at Azotus (Ashdod). Later Paul visited Philip in Caesarea and Philip’s four daughters prophesied. Philip raised up the next generation. Philip also correctly prophesied over Paul.
The coming of the Holy Spirit and dunamis was a new thing for the first century believers. The usage of dunamis is almost always used in evangelism. Dunamis is not our own power source for our own glory or our own fame. Dunamis is given so that others may see the power of the Living God, and those who have been bound are set free, as proof that there is a good Father who sent his Son so that people could choose to become sons and daughters of the Living God.
