Image Details

Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, UK/Bridgeman Art Library

Peter recoils as Simon the magician tries to give him a bag of money in exchange for the Holy Spirit. The biblical conflict between the two men, depicted in this painting by Liberale da Verona (c. 1445–1525), ends peacefully. Peter tells Simon, “Repent … and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.” Simon agrees: “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said to me may happen to me” (Acts 8:22, 24).