17. Then [the apostles] laid their hands on them one by one, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18. However, when Simon saw that the [Holy] Spirit was imparted through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he brought money and offered it to them,
19. Saying, Grant me also this power and authority, in order that anyone on whom I place my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.
20. But Peter said to him, Destruction overtake your money and you, because you imagined you could obtain the [free] gift of God with money!
21. You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is all wrong in God's sight [it is not straightforward or right or true before God]. [Ps. 78:37.]
22. So repent of this depravity and wickedness of yours and pray to the Lord that, if possible, this contriving thought and purpose of your heart may be removed and disregarded and forgiven you.
23. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in a bond forged by iniquity [to fetter souls]. [Isa. 58:6.]
24. And Simon answered, Pray for me [beseech the Lord, both of you], that nothing of what you have said may befall me!
25. Now when [the apostles] had borne their testimony and preached the message of the Lord, they went back to Jerusalem, proclaiming the glad tidings (Gospel) to many villages of the Samaritans [on the way].
26. But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, Rise and proceed southward or at midday on the road that runs from Jerusalem down to Gaza. This is the desert [route].
27. So he got up and went. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship.
28. And he was [now] returning, and sitting in his chariot he was reading the book of the prophet Isaiah.
29. Then the [Holy] Spirit said to Philip, Go forward and join yourself to this chariot.
30. Accordingly Philip, running up to him, heard [the man] reading the prophet Isaiah and asked, Do you really understand what you are reading?