Acts 8:21

You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Peter addresses Simon Magus immediately after Simon offers money to purchase the apostolic power to impart the Holy Spirit. This rebuke occurs during Peter's confrontation in Samaria to correct Simon's transactional approach to divine grace.

The words — μερὶς (meris) means "part" and κλῆρος (klēros) translates to "lot" or "share." Together they deny Simon any legitimate portion in the apostolic ministry.

The thread — The theme of the heart's exposed condition before God runs through Hebrews 4:13 and Matthew 6:22, while Psalms 36:1 similarly locates a divine oracle concerning transgression within the heart.

Why it lands — The text states that a heart not right before God disqualifies a person from sharing in the ministry. Readers must therefore verify that their own motives align with God's standards rather than pursuing selfish advantage.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Cross-references

Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Psalms 36:1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD. An oracle is in my heart regarding the transgression of the wicked man: There is no fear of God before his eyes.
Matthew 6:22 The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.
John 21:17 Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
2 Chronicles 25:2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly.
Revelation 2:23 Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
Revelation 22:19 And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and the holy city, which are described in this book.
Joshua 22:25 For the LORD has made the Jordan a border between us and you Reubenites and Gadites. You have no share in the LORD!’ So your descendants could cause ours to stop fearing the LORD.
Psalms 78:36 But they deceived Him with their mouths, and lied to Him with their tongues.
Habakkuk 2:4 Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith—