John Chrysostom, 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.”

“"Repent therefore of this thy wickedness and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive the bond of iniquity." Once more he brings to light what was in the thoughts, because Simon thought to escape detection. "If perchance it may be forgiven thee." Not as though it would not have been pardoned, had he wept, but this is the manner of the Prophet also, to denounce absolutely, and not to say, "Howbeit, if thou do this, thy sin shall be forgiven," but that in any wise the punishment shall take effect.”

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