^18 [a]When Simon saw that the Spirit was conferred by the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money ¹⁹ and said, “Give me this power too, so that anyone upon whom I lay my hands may receive the holy Spirit.” ²⁰ But Peter said to him, “May your money perish with you, because you thought that you could buy the gift of God with money. ²¹ You have no share or lot in this matter, for your heart is not upright before God. ²² Repent of this wickedness of yours and pray to the Lord that, if possible, your intention may be forgiven. ²³ For I see that you are filled with bitter gall and are in the bonds of iniquity.” ²⁴ Simon said in reply, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”