“Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostle’s hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!”   Acts 8:17-20 (NKJV)

The book of Acts, written by the physician Luke, who also authors the gospel that bears his name, records the history of the 1st century church. The power of Pentecost that birthed the ministries of the Apostle Peter, primarily to the Jews, and the Apostle Paul who ministered to the Gentiles make up a large amount of the content contained therein. In Acts chapter 8 which contains our devotional passage, a great persecution arose against the church which caused the early believers to be scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. This single event in the life of the first church while as conflicting as it may have been, actually proved complimentary to the last words of Jesus prior to returning to the Father in Acts 1:8. The gospel of Jesus Christ and those who would become witnesses now had the extraordinary opportunity to spread the word of the Lord. “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” Acts 8:4 (NKJV)

This particular episode in the life of the early church centers on the power and the purpose of the Holy Spirit. One named Simon who was known by many as a sorcerer, after many years of beguiling the people of Samaria, after witnessing the confessions of many others who believed and were baptized, he too made a confession to the faith. “Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and he was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.” Acts 8:13 (NKJV) Here is the pivot point of the passage. Simon witnesses a group of Samaritans receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands by Peter and John. His interest is peaked. His curiosity is stirred because he observes an outward manifestation of the Holy Spirit upon those who believed and he immediately offered them money to receive this same power. Little did he know that there are some things that money just can’t buy.

We are living in a time when money is often being used as a conduit to either build a relationship with God, gain His favor, or access His blessings and power. God cannot and will not be manipulated with our money or possessions. Neither can the Holy Spirit. Think of it this way. How can we maneuver and manage our relationship with God by means of what already belongs to Him? “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1 (NKJV) Simon makes such a ludicrous request even after he believed and was baptized. Chalk it up to ignorance or immaturity in the faith. The fact of the matter was that Simon’s heart was not right towards God. “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.” Acts 8:22 (NKJV)

Don’t be deceived, money has its place in the life of the local church and the body of Christ. However, you cannot purchase the power of God through the Holy Spirit or build a relationship with Him by the use of money. Our local churches may need it to sustain ministry operations, but God doesn’t. He wants you. The price of the most expensive car, a Burgati Veyron, 1.7 million dollars. The price of the most expensive home, a 27 story skyscraper built in Mumbai, 2 billion dollars. The most expensive watch sold at Sotheby’s, 11 million dollars. The most expensive tie 21 thousand dollars. The most expensive perfume, 78 thousand dollars. The person, the purpose, and the power of the Holy Spirit?  Priceless.