Theophylact of Ohrid, on Acts 8:22

“Do penance therefore for this thy wickedness; and pray to God, that perhaps this thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee.”

“According to the fables of the heretics, it was superfluous to say to Simon: "repent," because he was created evil. They say that a man, being evil by nature, is incapable of changing by choice. But it was not said in vain: "therefore repent," because he too had free will, "and pray to God: perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you." Peter said this to Simon, as though forgiveness would not have been granted to him if he had wept and repented. But this manner of expression was common also among the prophets. And especially Peter foresaw that he would not turn to repentance. Therefore he says: "perhaps it will be forgiven you." Because the words "pray to the Lord for me" Simon said not because he repented and converted, but only for the sake of appearances. For otherwise, where is the weeping? Where is the remorse and confession of sins?”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.