Acts 8:18-19

[18] And when Simon that through laying on of the apostles' hands Ghost was given, he offered them money, [19] Saying, Give me also power, that whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

What is the context of Acts 8:18-19?

The Sorcerer’s Sin (Acts 8:14-25 true)
Simon’s Sin (Acts 8:14-25 true)
Simon the Magician Believes (Acts 8:9-25 true)
Simon the Magician (Acts 8:9-25 true)
Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-25 true)
Philip in Samaria (Acts 8:4-24 true)
Philip Preaches in Samaria (Acts 8:4-25 true)
Some Samaritans Become Believers (Acts 8:4-25 true)

What does Acts 8:18-19 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Clearly some external sign accompanied the coming of the Spirit to baptize because the people present perceived it as happening. Simon desired to buy the ability to produce Spirit baptism and its accompanying sign from Peter and John (cf. Acts 19:19). This practice, the attempt to buy spiritual powers and offices, has become identified with Simon"s name (i.e, simony). Simon failed to appreciate the uniqueness of Spirit baptism. He appears to have wanted to produce this in anyone, not just believers. Perhaps Simon"s error was an innocent mistake due to theological ignorance. It was clear to Simon that the laying on of hands communicated Spirit baptism ( Acts 8:19).