18. Simon watched as the apostles placed their hands on them. He saw that the Spirit was given to them. So he offered money to Peter and John.
19. He said, "Give me this power too. Then everyone I place my hands on will receive the Holy Spirit."
20. Peter answered, "May your money be destroyed with you! Do you think you can buy God's gift with money?
21. You have no part or share in this holy work. Your heart is not right with God.
22. Turn away from this evil sin of yours. Pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.
23. I see that you are very bitter. You are a prisoner of sin."
24. Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me. Pray that nothing you have said will happen to me."
25. Peter and John gave witness and preached the Lord's word. Then they returned to Jerusalem. On the way they preached the good news in many villages in Samaria.
26. An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip. "Go south to the desert road," he said. "It's the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza."
27. So Philip started out. On his way he met an Ethiopian official. The man had an important position. He was in charge of all the wealth of Candace. She was the queen of Ethiopia. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship.
28. On his way home he was sitting in his chariot. He was reading the book of Isaiah the prophet.