Term

simony

The buying or selling of spiritual objects or temporal objects with attached spiritual value, named after Simon Magus in Acts 8.

Filed underChurch History

Definition

The intended or consummated buying or selling of spiritual objects, or of temporal objects to which a spiritual value has become attached. The term is derived from Acts 8:18-24, in which Simon Magus offered to pay Peter for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture

  • Acts 8:18–24

Connections

Follow this entry through the Lexicon.

Related to
See also

Sources

  1. 1.Jerald C. Brauer and B. A. Gerrish, ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971). 768Original citation: Brauer, Jerald C., and B. A. Gerrish, eds. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971, 768.

Last revised August 14, 2026