Acts 8:14-24. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had converted, they sent Peter and John there to pray with and for the people, that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for they had only thus far been baptized in the name of Jesus. After praying, Peter and John lay hands on the new converts, and they receive the Holy Spirit through the apostles. On seeing this, Simon, the former magician, offers the apostles silver and asks for this power to be given to him. Peter strongly rebukes Simon, saying he will perish because he thought he could buy God's gifts. Peter says Simon has no part in this, for his heart is not in the right place - he is full of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity. Peter tells Simon to repent, and Simon responds by asking Peter to pray for him to the Lord "that none of what you have said may come upon me."

Simon clearly doesn't really "get" it, even though he has been baptized. He is still thinking like a magician - he thinks the power of the Holy Spirit can be bought and sold like magic tricks. He did not have evil intent in thinking this way, but it is a very wrong way of thinking nonetheless. Simon models for us how to take valid criticism and teaching. Peter may have been a bit stern with Simon, but it is understandable - the Holy Spirit was doing amazing things and was it was offensive to have someone suggest that His power could be bought. But Simon did not get offended at Peter's strong words. Instead, he asked for prayer, that he might be saved. Contrast that with the reaction of the council to Stephen's valid criticism, and we can see who really wants to be better. It is Simon, The Samaritan, who asks for prayer, not the Jewish leaders.

When we find ourselves suddenly aware of being mistaken, especially when our mistakes have offended God, we should strive to react like Simon does. We should not become defensive or offended, even if the person correcting us speaks sternly to us. We should, rather, acknowledge the correction and ask for prayers that we might come to understand and be saved.