“I’ve made a big mistake!” Have you ever found yourself saying that? I do it all the time. Sometimes when I say this it comes from a quick realisation that I’ve done the wrong thing, sometimes it comes from a rebuke from a fellow Christian, other times the Holy Spirit gradually convicts me of my sin and drives me towards righteousness. Fortunately when I’ve made mistakes, those discipling me have prayed for me and helped me get back on track.

Simon makes a big mistake. He offers Peter money to give him the Holy Spirit but Peter rebukes him. In v.24 Simon realises the gravity of what he has done and is backtracking quickly. We’re not told how Peter responds but here is a great opportunity to think about how you would handle someone who had made such as mistake. Would you need to check if their repentance was genuine? Could you forgive them? Would you pray for them?

We don’t know how Peter treated Simon after this but what Acts does tell us is that they don’t let Simon’s greed hinder the progress of the Gospel. Peter and John continue to proclaim the word of the Lord, preaching in many Samaritan villages. They don’t let Simon’s sin trip them up or hinder future Gospel proclamation. As we disciple others they will slip up, they will sin, some may repent and others won’t. We should be prepared to get our hands dirty, to forgive, to pray for our fellow disciples, and to get on with the vital work of proclaiming the Gospel. DB

Questions

1. Why does Simon repent? What does he ask Peter to do for him?

2. How can you rebuke, pray for, and help those you disciple to get back on track in a way that is healthy and doesn’t hinder your relationship?

Prayer

Thank you Lord that you are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. Thank you that Jesus offers us forgiveness and his mercies are new every morning. Holy Spirit please convict us of our sin and help us to bear fruits in keeping with repentance everyday. Amen!