Acts 8:22
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Original Language Analysis
μετανόησον
Repent
G3340
μετανόησον
Repent
Strong's:
G3340
Word #:
1 of 20
to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 20
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
3 of 20
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κακίας
wickedness
G2549
κακίας
wickedness
Strong's:
G2549
Word #:
5 of 20
badness, i.e., (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble
ταύτης
G3778
ταύτης
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
7 of 20
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεοῦ,
God
G2316
Θεοῦ,
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἄρα
perhaps
G686
ἄρα
perhaps
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
13 of 20
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
ἀφεθήσεταί
may be forgiven
G863
ἀφεθήσεταί
may be forgiven
Strong's:
G863
Word #:
14 of 20
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπίνοια
the thought
G1963
ἐπίνοια
the thought
Strong's:
G1963
Word #:
17 of 20
attention of the mind, i.e., (by implication) purpose
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 4:12For 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.Daniel 4:27Wherefore, 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.Revelation 2:21And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.Acts 2:38Then 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.Acts 8:20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.Acts 9:11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,Acts 3:19Repent 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;Acts 17:30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:Romans 2:4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?Jonah 3:9Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
Historical Context
Simon's attempt to buy spiritual power exposed his fundamental misunderstanding of grace. Coming from a context where religious power often involved payment, initiation fees, or transactions (common in Greco-Roman mystery religions), Simon applied commercial categories to spiritual realities.
Peter's response echoes Old Testament prophetic rebukes—calling sin by its name without softening. The early church maintained high standards, recognizing that treating grace as merchandise perverts the gospel. This incident dates to 35-37 CE, establishing precedent against commercializing spiritual office—a recurring church temptation through centuries.
Questions for Reflection
- What distinguishes genuine repentance from mere regret over sin's consequences?
- How does the conditional 'if perhaps' challenge presumptuous attitudes toward forgiveness?
- In what ways do modern Christians sometimes treat God's gifts as commodities to acquire or control?
- Why does true repentance focus on the 'thought of the heart' rather than just external actions?
- How should church discipline balance calls to repentance with assurance of mercy for truly penitent sinners?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. Peter's sharp rebuke to Simon Magus reveals true repentance's nature—turning from sin with uncertain outcome, trusting God's mercy rather than presuming forgiveness.
Repent therefore connects to Simon's attempt to purchase spiritual power (Acts 8:18-20). True repentance involves genuine sorrow for sin, recognition of its wickedness, and turning from it. The phrase this thy wickedness identifies Simon's action not as mere error but as moral evil—treating God's gifts as commodities to purchase.
Pray God directs Simon away from apostles toward direct appeal to God. Only divine mercy can forgive; human mediators cannot dispense forgiveness mechanically. The conditional if perhaps introduces uncertainty—not about God's willingness but about Simon's heart condition. True repentance doesn't presume forgiveness but casts itself on divine mercy.
The thought of thine heart identifies sin's root—not merely the external action but the internal disposition. Simon's heart revealed itself through his offer; genuine repentance requires heart transformation, not just regret over consequences. Reformed theology emphasizes God alone searches hearts and grants saving faith.