Acts 8:23 · Clearspring

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Other translations

WEBBE

For I see that you are in the poison of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.”

BSB

For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity.”

KJV

For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

ASV

For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.

BBE

For I see that you are prisoned in bitter envy and the chains of sin.

Original Greek

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εἰς eis in G1519 γὰρ gar for G1063 χολὴν cholēn [the] gall G5521 πικρίας pikrias of bitterness G4088 καὶ kai and G2532 σύνδεσμον sundesmon [the] bond G4886 ἀδικίας adikias of iniquity G93 ὁρῶ horō I see G3708 σε se you G4771 ὄντα onta being G1510

The early church

"Repent therefore of this thy wickedness and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive the bond of iniquity." Once more he brings to light what was in the thoughts, because Simon thought to escape detection. "If perchance it may be forgiven thee." Not as though it would not have been pardoned, had he wept, but this is the manner of the Prophet also, to denounce absolutely, and not to say, "Howbeit, if thou do this, thy sin shall be forgiven," but that in any wise the punishment shall take effect.

John Chrysostom · d. 407Homilies on Acts

For had it been done with simplicity, he would have even welcomed his willing mind. Seest thou that to have mean conceptions of great things is to sin doubly? Accordingly, two things he bids him: "Repent and pray, if haply the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee." Seest thou it was a wicked thought he had entertained? Therefore he says, "If haply it may be forgiven thee": because he knew him to be incorrigible. "For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity." Words of exceeding wrath!

John Chrysostom · d. 407Homilies on Acts

But otherwise he did not punish him: that faith may not thereafter be of compulsion; that the matter may not seem to be carried ruthlessly; that he may introduce the subject of repentance: or also, because it suffices for correction to have convicted him, to have told him what was in his heart, to have brought him to confess himself overcome.

John Chrysostom · d. 407Homilies on Acts

Commentary

Matthew Henry · Verses 14–25

The Holy Ghost was as yet fallen upon none of these coverts, in the extraordinary powers conveyed by the descent of the Spirit upon the day of Pentecost. We may take encouragement from this example, in praying to God to give the renewing graces of the Holy Ghost to all for whose spiritual welfare we are concerned; for that includes all blessings. No man can give the Holy Spirit by the laying on of his hands; but we should use our best endeavours to instruct those for whom we pray. Simon Magus was ambitious to have the honour of an apostle, but cared not at all to have the spirit and disposition of a Christian. He was more desirous to gain honour to himself, than to do good to others. Peter shows him his crime. He esteemed the wealth of this world, as if it would answer for things relating to the other life, and would purchase the pardon of sin, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and eternal life. This was such a condemning error as could by no means consist with a state of grace. Our hearts are what they are in the sight of God, who cannot be deceived. And if they are not right in his sight, our religion is vain, and will stand us in no stead. A proud and covetous heart cannot be right with God. It is possible for a man to continue under the power of sin, yet to put on a form of godliness. When tempted with money to do evil, see what a perishing thing money is, and scorn it. Think not that Christianity is a trade to live by in this world. There is much wickedness in the thought of the heart, its false notions, and corrupt affections, and wicked projects, which must be repented of, or we are undone. But it shall be forgiven, upon our repentance. The doubt here is of the sincerity of Simon's repentance, not of his pardon, if his repentance was sincere. Grant us, Lord, another sort of faith than that which made Simon wonder only, and did not sanctify his heart. May we abhor all thoughts of making religion serve the purposes of pride or ambition. And keep us from that subtle poison of spiritual pride, which seeks glory to itself even from humility. May we seek only the honour which cometh from God.

Read Matthew Henry on Acts 8 →

Cross-references

17

Topics

Wicked (People)Depravity Of Man Gall