The Spirit can never be bought but can only be received in prayer and in faith. For the early believers in Samaria, this event also immediately clarifies that believing in Jesus is not simply transferring
from the one magician, Simon, to the other magician, Philip! The Spirit clearly shows that he is a gift, given in grace, and never to be bought or acquired by yourself. The Spirit is never in our possession; he possesses us. He is never in our power; he empowers us.
18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,