Day 40 — Peter and John in Samaria (Acts 8:14-25) | June 4

News reached Jerusalem that Samaria had received the word of God. The apostles sent Peter and John to investigate. The Samaritans had believed and been baptized, but the Spirit had not yet visibly fallen on them. When Peter and John laid hands on them, something visible happened. Simon the magician saw it and made an offer. He wanted to buy the power to give the Spirit through laying on of hands. Peter's response was fierce. May your silver be destroyed with you. Simon's heart was wrong before God, poisoned by bitterness, bound by wickedness. Simon asked Peter to pray so that nothing bad would happen to him. Afraid of consequences but never convicted of sin. Grace cannot be purchased. It can only be received.