Acts 8:24
Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
Original Language Analysis
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 19
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
8 of 19
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
10 of 19
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριον
the Lord
G2962
κύριον
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
13 of 19
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
ἐπέλθῃ
come
G1904
ἐπέλθῃ
come
Strong's:
G1904
Word #:
15 of 19
to supervene, i.e., arrive, occur, impend, attack, (figuratively) influence
ἐπ'
upon
G1909
ἐπ'
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
Exodus 8:8Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.Numbers 21:7Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.Job 42:8Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.James 5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.Exodus 10:17Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.Exodus 12:32Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.Genesis 20:7Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.1 Kings 13:6And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.1 Samuel 12:23Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
Historical Context
Ancient sources diverge on Simon's fate. Luke's account ends here without resolution. Church fathers like Irenaeus and Justin Martyr identify Simon as founding figure of Gnosticism, suggesting he didn't truly convert. Others allow possibility of genuine later repentance.
The ambiguity serves didactic purpose—examining our own hearts rather than judging Simon's eternal state. First-century Christianity encountered many like Simon: attracted to Christianity's power and community without genuine submission to Christ's lordship. Around 35-37 CE, this incident taught early believers to maintain discernment about genuine versus spurious faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we distinguish between fear-motivated repentance and genuine godly sorrow?
- What does Simon's request for intercession reveal about his understanding of relationship with God?
- In what ways might modern Christians seek benefits of Christianity while avoiding genuine submission to Christ?
- How should churches respond to those who exhibit external compliance without evident heart transformation?
- What does the unresolved nature of Simon's story teach about presuming on others' eternal destinies?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. Simon's response to Peter's rebuke appears focused on avoiding judgment rather than genuine repentance, revealing a heart still unconverted.
The request pray ye to the Lord for me could indicate genuine contrition, yet the motivation clause—that none of these things...come upon me—suggests self-centered concern about consequences rather than grief over sin itself. True repentance laments offending God; false repentance fears only punishment.
Simon asks apostles to pray rather than praying himself, possibly revealing continued belief in human intermediaries' special power. He doesn't acknowledge his wickedness directly nor express desire for holiness—only for escape from threatened judgment. This parallels Pharaoh's repeated false repentances in Exodus, seeking relief without heart change.
Reformed theology distinguishes between attrition (sorrow from fear of punishment) and contrition (sorrow from love of God). Simon exhibits attrition at best. The text doesn't record his ultimate fate, leaving his conversion ambiguous—a sobering warning that religious profession doesn't guarantee salvation.