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ACTS 8:20 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
Acts 8:19Acts 8:21
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Peter answered: 'May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!' - Peter's response is severe: 'May your silver perish with you' (to argyron sou syn soi eie eis apōleian) is a curse. The 'gift of God' (dōrea tou theou) cannot be 'bought' (ktaomai, purchased, acquired). Peter's indictment is radical: Simon has misunderstood the fundamental nature of grace.

Church Fathers on Acts 8:20

Peter said to him, Your money perish, because you have imagined that the gift of God is to be purchased with money.— Acts 8:20 Why had not these received the Holy Ghost, when baptized? Either because Philip kept this honor for the Apostles; or, because he had not this gift (to impart); or, he was one of the Seven: which is rather to be said. Whence, I take it, this Philip was one of the Apostles. But observe; those went not forth: it was Providentially ordered that these…

Chrysostom · 4th century · Homily 18 on Acts
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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