The Gall of Bitterness and the Bond of Iniquity
Acts 8:20-24
But Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.…


I. THIS MAN'S STATE. In a state of nature as evidenced by his covetousness, ambition, and hypocrisy. This state is called —

1. The gall of bitterness because it is bitter(1) To God; which appears by the bitter sufferings of Christ (Isaiah 53:6; Matthew 26:38).

(2) To every good man as felt in their first awakenings, bitter remorse (Matthew 26:75), bitter reflections.

(2) To the impenitently wicked (Mark 9:44).

2. The bond of iniquity (Proverbs 5:22). This bond is —

(1) Strong.

(2) Reproachful (Proverbs 14:34).

(3) Unprofitable.

II. HOW IT WAS PERCEIVED. By its fruit (Matthew 12:33, 35). A man's state may be discerned —

1. By his ignorance of Divine things.

2. By the company he keeps.

3. By the books he reads.

4. By his places of resort.

(S. Barnard.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

WEB: But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!




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