This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Acts 8:9-25, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once there was a man named Simon. He used to do magic tricks in a city and everyone thought he was really cool. They even called him “Great” because they believed he had power from God.
One day, a man named Philip came and told everyone about Jesus and how God’s kingdom was coming. People believed Philip’s good news and got baptized, including Simon!
Simon was so amazed by the things he saw Philip and other believers do. He stayed with Philip and watched as he performed miracles.
Later on, some important people from Jerusalem named Peter and John came to visit. They prayed for the new believers so that they could receive the Holy Spirit from God. When Simon saw this, he tried to offer Peter and John money so that he could have the same power.
Simon said to Peter and John, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
But Peter was very upset and told Simon that he was wrong to think he could buy God’s gift with money. Peter said to Simon, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.”
Simon felt very sorry for what he did and asked Peter to pray for him. Simon said, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
After Peter and John prayed for the new believers and spoke to them about Jesus, they went back to Jerusalem. Along the way, they continued to share the good news with people in many villages of the Samaritans.
Biblical Lessons
- It’s never too late to turn to God and ask for forgiveness, just like Simon did.
- God’s gifts and blessings are given freely to those who have faith and believe in Him.
- The Holy Spirit is a powerful gift that we can receive when we believe in Jesus and follow Him.
- We should always be careful not to let pride or greed get in the way of our relationship with God.