Acts 8:23

“For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, etc.] Alluding to (<052918>Deuteronomy 29:18, 32:32) with which compare (<581215>Hebrews 12:15) and signifying, that he was in a state of nature and unregeneracy; under the power and dominion of covetousness, ambition, and hypocrisy; and in a way pernicious to himself, infectious to others, and ungrateful to God, and to good men; and that instead of the root of the matter, the truth of grace being in him, there was nothing in him but the bitter root of sin; which bore gall and wormwood, and everything that was nauseous and disagreeable: and in the bond of iniquity; referring to (<200522>Proverbs 5:22, <235806>Isaiah 58:6) and…”

“in the gall of bitterness and . . . bond of iniquity--expressing both the awfulness of his condition and the captivity to it in which he was held.”

“For I perceive - That is, by the act which he had done. His offer had shown a state of mind that was wholly inconsistent with true religion. One single sin “may” as certainly show that there is no true piety as many acts of iniquity. It may be so decided, so malignant, so utterly inconsistent with just views as at once to determine what the character is. The sin of Simon was of this character. Peter here does not appear to have claimed the power of judging the “heart”; but he judged, as all other people would, by the act. In the gall - This word denotes properly “bile,” or “that bitter, yellowish-green fluid that is secreted in the liver.” Hence, it means anything very bitter; and also any…”

“the gall: Deu 29:18-20, Deu 32:32, Deu 32:33; Job 20:14; Jer 4:18, Jer 9:15; Lam 3:5, Lam 3:19; Heb 12:15 the bond: Psa 116:16; Pro 5:22; Isa 28:22; Joh 8:34; Rom 6:17-22; Tit 3:3; Pe2 2:4, Pe2 2:19 Acts 8:24”