CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 8:22 Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/8-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/44_Act_08_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 8:22 - Simon the Sorcerer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/8-22.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/8-22.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 22</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/8-21.htm" title="Acts 8:21">◄</a> Acts 8:22 <a href="/acts/8-23.htm" title="Acts 8:23">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/8.htm">New International Version</a> Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. <a href="/nlt/acts/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, <a href="/esv/acts/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. <a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart. <a href="/blb/acts/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray earnestly to the Lord, if indeed the intent of your heart will be forgiven you. <a href="/kjv/acts/8.htm">King James Bible</a> Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. <a href="/nkjv/acts/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. <a href="/nasb_/acts/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Therefore, repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart will be forgiven you. <a href="/nasb/acts/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. <a href="/nasb77/acts/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. <a href="/lsb/acts/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray earnestly to the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. <a href="/amp/acts/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, this thought of your heart may be forgiven you. <a href="/csb/acts/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, your heart’s intent may be forgiven. <a href="/hcsb/acts/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. <a href="/asv/acts/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee. <a href="/cev/acts/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Get rid of these evil thoughts and ask God to forgive you. <a href="/erv/acts/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee. <a href="/gwt/acts/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So change your wicked thoughts, and ask the Lord if he will forgive you for thinking like this. <a href="/gnt/acts/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> Repent, then, of this evil plan of yours, and pray to the Lord that he will forgive you for thinking such a thing as this. <a href="/isv/acts/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> So repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, your heart's intent may be forgiven you. <a href="/msb/acts/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to God. Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart. <a href="/net/acts/8.htm">NET Bible</a> Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that he may perhaps forgive you for the intent of your heart. <a href="/nheb/acts/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask the Lord if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. <a href="/wbt/acts/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee. <a href="/wey/acts/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord, in the hope that the purpose which is in your heart may perhaps be forgiven you. <a href="/web/acts/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> convert, therefore, from this your wickedness, and implore God, if then the purpose of your heart may be forgiven you, <a href="/blb/acts/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray earnestly to the Lord, if indeed the intent of your heart will be forgiven you. <a href="/ylt/acts/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> reform, therefore, from this thy wickedness, and beseech God, if then the purpose of thy heart may be forgiven thee, <a href="/slt/acts/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray to God, if perhaps the thought of thy heart be remitted to thee.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Do penance therefore for this thy wickedness; and pray to God, that perhaps this thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee. <a href="/cpdv/acts/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, repent from this, your wickedness, and beg God, so that perhaps this plan of your heart might be forgiven you. <a href="/nabre/acts/8.htm">New American Bible</a> Repent of this wickedness of yours and pray to the Lord that, if possible, your intention may be forgiven. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Repent, therefore, of this evil of yours, and beseech God that he may perhaps forgive you for the guile which is in your heart. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But turn from this your evil and request from God that perhaps the treachery of your heart may be forgiven you.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Repent, therefore, of this your wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the purpose of your heart may be forgiven you. <a href="/godbey/acts/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Therefore repent of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perchance the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee; <a href="/haweis/acts/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray to God, if haply this thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee. <a href="/mace/acts/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a> repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray to God, to forgive, if it be possible, this suggestion you have entertain'd. <a href="/wey/acts/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord, in the hope that the purpose which is in your heart may perhaps be forgiven you. <a href="/worrell/acts/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Repent, therefore, of this your wickedness, and entreat the Lord, if, perhaps, the thought of your heart may be forgiven you; <a href="/worsley/acts/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray to God, if so be the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee: <a href="/parallel/acts/8-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=2513" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm">Simon the Sorcerer</a> …21You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22<a href="/greek/3340.htm" title="3340: metanoēson (V-AMA-2S) -- From meta and noieo; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. Reconsider.">Repent,</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">therefore,</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tautēs (DPro-GFS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/2549.htm" title="2549: kakias (N-GFS) -- From kakos; badness, i.e. depravity, or malignity, or trouble.">wickedness,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1189.htm" title="1189: deēthēti (V-AMP-2S) -- To want for myself; I want, need; I beg, request, beseech, pray. Middle voice of deo; to beg, i.e. Petition.">pray to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriou (N-GMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord.</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/687.htm" title="687: ara (Conj) -- A form of ara, denoting an interrogation to which a negative answer is presumed.">Perhaps</a> <a href="/greek/863.htm" title="863: aphethēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">He will forgive</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">for the</a> <a href="/greek/1963.htm" title="1963: epinoia (N-NFS) -- Thought, purpose, design, intent. From epi and nous; attention of the mind, i.e. purpose.">intent</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardias (N-GFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">heart.</a> 23For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a> If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. <a href="/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2</a> and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” <a href="/luke/13-3.htm">Luke 13:3</a> No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish. <a href="/2_chronicles/7-14.htm">2 Chronicles 7:14</a> and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. <a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-32</a> Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live! <a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6-7</a> Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. <a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a> “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. <a href="/james/4-8.htm">James 4:8-10</a> Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. / Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. / Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. <a href="/revelation/2-5.htm">Revelation 2:5</a> Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. But if you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Proverbs 28:13</a> He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. <a href="/psalms/51-1.htm">Psalm 51:1-4</a> For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. / Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. / For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ... <a href="/jeremiah/3-12.htm">Jeremiah 3:12-14</a> Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever. / Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’” declares the LORD. / “Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion. <a href="/mark/1-15.htm">Mark 1:15</a> “The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a> Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a> The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.Repent.<a href="/acts/2-38.htm">Acts 2:38</a> Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.<a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a> Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;<a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Acts 17:30</a> And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:pray.<a href="/acts/9-11.htm">Acts 9:11</a> And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,<a href="/deuteronomy/4-29.htm">Deuteronomy 4:29,30</a> But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul… <a href="/1_kings/8-47.htm">1 Kings 8:47,48</a> Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness; … if.<a href="/daniel/4-27.htm">Daniel 4:27</a> Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.<a href="/joel/2-13.htm">Joel 2:13,14</a> And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil… <a href="/amos/5-15.htm">Amos 5:15</a> Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.the thought.<a href="/acts/8-20.htm">Acts 8:20</a> But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.<a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a> For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/16-27.htm">Beseech</a> <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/acts/8-7.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/john/20-23.htm">Forgive</a> <a href="/john/20-23.htm">Forgiven</a> <a href="/acts/5-31.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/acts/8-21.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/acts/2-26.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/acts/8-4.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/john/13-28.htm">Intent</a> <a href="/matthew/26-50.htm">Intention</a> <a href="/acts/5-39.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/acts/4-20.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/acts/8-15.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/acts/5-38.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Reform</a> <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/luke/10-2.htm">Supplicate</a> <a href="/acts/8-20.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/luke/24-38.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/acts/3-26.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/8-24.htm">Beseech</a> <a href="/acts/28-6.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/acts/9-13.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-7.htm">Forgive</a> <a href="/romans/4-7.htm">Forgiven</a> <a href="/acts/10-43.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/acts/8-37.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/acts/16-19.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/acts/8-25.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/acts/9-21.htm">Intent</a> <a href="/acts/9-24.htm">Intention</a> <a href="/acts/17-27.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/acts/8-31.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/acts/8-24.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/acts/9-21.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Reform</a> <a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/acts/8-24.htm">Supplicate</a> <a href="/acts/10-19.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/romans/1-18.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/acts/25-5.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 8</div>1. <a href="/acts/8-1.htm">By occasion of the persecution in Jerusalem, the church being planted in Samaria, </a> 4. <a href="/acts/8-4.htm">by Philip the deacon, who preached, did miracles, and baptized many;</a> 9. <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">among the rest Simon the sorcerer, a great seducer of the people;</a> 14. <a href="/acts/8-14.htm">Peter and John come to confirm and enlarge the church; </a> 15. <a href="/acts/8-15.htm">where, by prayer and imposition of hands giving the Holy Spirit;</a> 18. <a href="/acts/8-18.htm">when Simon would have bought the like power of them, </a> 20. <a href="/acts/8-20.htm">Peter sharply reproving his hypocrisy and covetousness, </a> 22. <a href="/acts/8-22.htm">and exhorting him to repentance, </a> 25. <a href="/acts/8-25.htm">together with John preaching the word of the Lord, return to Jerusalem;</a> 26. <a href="/acts/8-26.htm">but the angel sends Philip to teach and baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Repent, therefore, of your wickedness Repentance is a central theme in the New Testament, emphasizing a change of mind and heart leading to a transformation of life. In the context of <a href="/acts/8.htm">Acts 8</a>, Simon the Sorcerer is being called to turn away from his sinful desire to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. This call to repentance echoes the message of John the Baptist (<a href="/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2</a>) and Jesus (<a href="/mark/1-15.htm">Mark 1:15</a>), who both preached repentance as essential for entering the Kingdom of God. The term "wickedness" here refers to Simon's attempt to commercialize the gifts of God, a grave sin that reflects a misunderstanding of the nature of God's grace.and pray to the Lord Prayer is presented as a means of seeking forgiveness and restoration. In the Jewish tradition, prayer was a way to communicate with God, express repentance, and seek His mercy. The instruction to pray underscores the personal responsibility Simon has in seeking reconciliation with God. This aligns with 1 <a href="/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9</a>, which assures believers that if they confess their sins, God is faithful to forgive. The emphasis on prayer also highlights the relational aspect of faith, where believers are encouraged to approach God directly.Perhaps He will forgive you The use of "perhaps" indicates the seriousness of Simon's sin and the uncertainty of his heart's condition. It suggests that forgiveness is not automatic but contingent upon genuine repentance and a sincere heart. This reflects the biblical principle that God looks at the heart (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>) and that true repentance involves more than just words; it requires a heartfelt turning away from sin. The conditional nature of forgiveness here serves as a warning against taking God's grace for granted.for the intent of your heart The "intent of your heart" refers to the motivations and desires that drive one's actions. In biblical terms, the heart is the center of one's being, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will. Simon's heart was revealed to be in the wrong place, as he sought power for personal gain rather than for the glory of God. This phrase underscores the importance of inner purity and aligns with Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/5-8.htm">Matthew 5:8</a>, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." It serves as a reminder that God desires truth in the inward being (<a href="/psalms/51-6.htm">Psalm 51:6</a>) and that true repentance involves a transformation of the heart.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/simon_the_sorcerer.htm">Simon the Sorcerer</a> A man in Samaria who practiced sorcery and amazed the people. He believed and was baptized but later tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philip_the_evangelist.htm">Philip the Evangelist</a> One of the seven deacons chosen in <a href="/bsb/acts/6.htm">Acts 6</a>, who preached the gospel in Samaria, leading many, including Simon, to believe and be baptized. 3. <a href="/topical/p/peter_the_apostle.htm">Peter the Apostle</a> One of Jesus' original twelve disciples, who, along with John, was sent to Samaria to pray for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 4. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> Another of Jesus' original twelve disciples, who accompanied Peter to Samaria. 5. <a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a> A region in the ancient Near East, significant for its mixed population and historical tensions with the Jews. It was the site of Philip's successful evangelistic campaign.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_repentance.htm">The Necessity of Repentance</a> Repentance is a fundamental step in the Christian faith, requiring a sincere turning away from sin and a turning towards God. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a> Prayer is essential in seeking forgiveness and aligning our hearts with God's will. It is through prayer that we express our dependence on God's grace. <a href="/topical/t/the_intent_of_the_heart.htm">The Intent of the Heart</a> God is concerned with the motives behind our actions. True repentance involves examining and correcting the intentions of our hearts. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_simony.htm">The Danger of Simony</a> The term "simony" originates from Simon's attempt to buy spiritual power. It serves as a warning against trying to manipulate or commercialize the gifts of God. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_apostolic_authority.htm">The Role of Apostolic Authority</a> The apostles' role in laying hands for the Holy Spirit's reception underscores the importance of spiritual authority and guidance in the church.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 8</a> <a href="/q/why_do_the_righteous_suffer.htm">If God wants to protect His people, why does He allow the righteous to suffer at the hands of the wicked?</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'god_isn't_author_of_confusion'.htm">What does the Bible say about LGBTQ love and acceptance?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_judas's_betrayal_fit_free_will.htm">John 6:70-71: How does Jesus's foreknowledge of Judas's betrayal reconcile with the concept of free will and God's omniscience?</a> <a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'raise_him_up'.htm">How can I engage in a guided Christian prayer?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(22) Repent therefore of this thy wickedness.--The stern words of condemnation are, we see, meant to heal, not to slay. Rightly understood, the call to repent in such a case as this, opens the door of hope as wide as the history of the penitent thief. Repentance, and with repentance, forgiveness, were possible, even for the charlatan adventurer who had traded on the credulous superstition of the people, and claimed something like adoration for himself and his mistress.Pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart . . . .--The better MSS. give "Lord" instead of "God," either in the Old Testament sense of the word or with special reference to the Lord Jesus. The "if perhaps," in the Greek, as in the English, implies a latent doubt. Did the thought come across the mind of the Apostle that the sin of Simon came very near that "sin against the Holy Ghost which hath never forgiveness" (<a href="/matthew/12-31.htm" title="Why I say to you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven to men.">Matthew 12:31</a>)? The use of such words by the chief of the Apostles, after the apparent concession of a plenary power in <a href="/john/20-23.htm" title="Whose soever sins you remit, they are remitted to them; and whose soever sins you retain, they are retained.">John 20:23</a>, are terribly suggestive. He neither forgives nor condemns, but bids the offender turn to the Searcher of hearts and pray for forgiveness. Had he seen repentance, he might have said, "Thy sins are forgiven thee." Had he seen a conscience utterly dead, he might have closed the door of hope. As it is, he stands midway between hope and fear, and, keeping silence, leaves judgment to the Judge.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 22. - The Lord for God, A.V. and T.R.; thy for thine, A.V.; shall for may, A.V. Repent. The terrible words, "Thy money perish with thee," had not expressed Peter's wish for his destruction. But they were the wounds of a friend speaking sharp things to pierce, if possible, a callous conscience. In the hope that that conscience had been pierced, he now urges repentance. And yet still, dealing skilfully with so bad a case, he speaks of the forgiveness doubtfully, "if perhaps." The sin was a very grievous one; the wound must not be healed too hastily. "There is a sin unto death." <a href="/commentaries/acts/8-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Repent, μετανόησον (metanoēson) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3340.htm">Strong's 3340: </a> From meta and noieo; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. Reconsider. therefore, οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. of ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. wickedness, κακίας (kakias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2549.htm">Strong's 2549: </a> From kakos; badness, i.e. depravity, or malignity, or trouble. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. pray to δεήθητι (deēthēti) Verb - Aorist Imperative Passive - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1189.htm">Strong's 1189: </a> To want for myself; I want, need; I beg, request, beseech, pray. Middle voice of deo; to beg, i.e. Petition. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Lord. Κυρίου (Kyriou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. Perhaps ἄρα (ara) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_687.htm">Strong's 687: </a> A form of ara, denoting an interrogation to which a negative answer is presumed. He will forgive ἀφεθήσεταί (aphethēsetai) Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications. you σοι (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. for the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. intent ἐπίνοια (epinoia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1963.htm">Strong's 1963: </a> Thought, purpose, design, intent. From epi and nous; attention of the mind, i.e. purpose. of τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. heart. καρδίας (kardias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/8-22.htm">Acts 8:22 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/8-22.htm">Acts 8:22 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/8-22.htm">Acts 8:22 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/8-22.htm">Acts 8:22 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/8-22.htm">Acts 8:22 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/8-22.htm">Acts 8:22 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/8-22.htm">Acts 8:22 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/8-22.htm">Acts 8:22 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/8-22.htm">Acts 8:22 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/8-22.htm">Acts 8:22 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/8-22.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/8-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 8:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 8:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/8-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 8:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 8:23" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>