Simon was highly influential in Samaria because of his sorcery and magic. When Philip arrived in the city, he performed great miracles and people migrated from Simon to Jesus. He had no choice but to follow Jesus being proclaimed by this Philip, who performed greater miracles than his magic.
The desire to perform greater miracles, especially praying for people to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit was in Simon’s hearts. He, therefore, offered the Apostles money to receive the ability. Instead of Peter praising him as some ministers might do in our days, he rebuked and made him realize that he had sinned against God by entertaining the thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money. He told him blatantly that he could not be a part of their team preaching and praying for miracles in people’s lives because his heart was not right with God.
This story teaches us that the gifts of God cannot be purchased with money. The currencies needed are a strong desire and a perfect heart towards God. If your heart is not right with God, obeying his words; He would not release spiritual things into your life no matter the amount of money you donate in church. You cannot bribe God.
Why do you want the manifestation of the power of God in your life? Is it because you want to look great and be honoured by others? It is not wrong to desire the ability to pray for Holy Spirit baptism for others, but wrong to seek it for self-aggrandizement or think that you can receive any spiritual gift by giving money.
If you are a pastor, please don’t ask people to give money so that they can receive spiritual gifts. Remember that Simon did not tell them whether this money was for their pockets or the ministry, yet they frowned at it. Does it mean that people who don’t have a certain amount of money cannot partake of the specific spiritual gift in question until they have the money? Is this not the same as rating those who have material things above those who are fervent in the Lord but lack material things at the moment?
People should not give money to receive spiritual gifts immediately. Giving is sowing, and you shouldn’t expect to reap immediately you sow. If you cultivate the habit of giving to God, his work, and his servants, over time, you will receive the rewards of obedience to the word of God in different ways: including more spiritual and material things.