Acts 8:21

Neither part nor lot. This is no arbitrary pronouncement, but a judgment based on the known state of Simon’s heart. He did not truly belong to God’s family, so was not eligible to share in its privileges and responsibilities. For comment on “lot” see on ch. 1:26.

This matter. Or, “this word.” This phrase most obviously refers to the topic under discussion, that is, the power to impart the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands (v. 19). But if the literal rendering “this word” be adopted, the reference is to v. 14, where it is said, “Samaria had received the word of God.”

Right. Greek euthus, “straight,” and by extension, in a moral sense, “straightforward,” “upright,” “true,” “sincere.” The word is rare in the New Testament, but like so many of the spoken words of Peter, is found again in an epistle of his (2 Peter 2:15).