New Testament
Acts 8:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But Peter said to him, "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could purchase the gift of God with money!"
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But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
What Acts 8:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Peter confronts a man named Simon who believed he could buy the power of God with money. Peter's strong response highlights a crucial truth: God's gifts cannot be bought or earned; they are freely given. Simon's misunderstanding reflects a common temptation to think that wealth can secure spiritual blessings. Peter's words serve as a warning against the idea that money can influence divine matters. This moment emphasizes the importance of sincerity and humility in our relationship with God. True faith and spiritual gifts come from a genuine heart, not from financial transactions. The essence of God's grace is that it is unmerited and cannot be purchased. This encounter challenges us to reflect on our own motivations and the value we place on spiritual things compared to material wealth. It reminds us that the most precious gifts in life are those that cannot be bought, but are given freely by God to those who seek Him earnestly and sincerely. Understanding this can transform our approach to faith and generosity.
How to apply Acts 8:20 to your life
Consider what you value most in your life. Are you trying to buy favor or blessings with your resources? Remember that true spiritual gifts come from a place of sincerity and cannot be purchased. Focus on building a genuine relationship with God instead of relying on material wealth to gain His favor. Seek to grow in faith and understanding instead of seeking shortcuts through money. Embrace the gifts of grace that God offers freely.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
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Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:14–25)
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Peter
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 8:20 mean?
Acts 8:20 means that Peter rebukes Simon for believing he could buy God's gifts with money. It emphasizes that spiritual gifts are freely given by God and cannot be purchased.
What is the meaning of the gift of God in Acts 8:20?
The gift of God in Acts 8:20 refers to the spiritual power and blessings that come from God, which cannot be bought or earned through financial means.
What lesson can we learn from Acts 8:20?
The lesson from Acts 8:20 is that true spiritual gifts require sincerity and humility, and cannot be obtained through wealth or transactions.
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