Philip's Two Converts

Acts chapter 8 has two great examples of how people come to Christ – both speak of Philip. Philip is only spoken of once in the Bible after this great chapter.
First, we find Philip in Samaria. And one of the new converts is Simon. We’re simply told: Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. (Acts 8:13 KJV)
Wouldn’t you have enjoyed seeing that, too? Hearing one who walked with Christ give his witness, then watching miracles and signs that were ever so convincing. What a blessing.
Until Peter and John showed up. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon the Samaritan converts. Peter and John prayed with them, laid hands upon them and were there when they received the Holy Spirit. Now that impressed Simon more than anything else.
And that’s where we learn that although Simon believed, he was not yet saved. He did not understand God’s gift, for he attempted to purchase the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:18-19 KJV)
Nope. That’s not how it works. Peter’s response was to the point: Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. (Acts 8:21-22 KJV)
Repent and pray. Two simple things, but Simon either could not or would not, requesting that Peter do so for him. To me, that means Simon still did not understand. Peter could not repent for him anymore than I can repent for one of my own children.
Beginning with verse 26, we see the Holy Spirit at work. Philip is sent by the Holy Spirit to Gaza. Would that there were a Philip today to be sent there!! A foreigner, an Ethiopian traveler, is reading from the book of Isaiah. Philip is directed by the Holy Spirit to approach him.
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. (Acts 8:29-31 KJV)
Here is where he was reading: He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7 KJV)
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. (Acts 8:35 KJV)
Today people come to Him in the same way. Some to achieve a personal desire for themselves, others seeking through God’s word to know the truth. God knows, and we’ve been told how:
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10 KJV)
It would appear that both men made the oral confession – Simon neglected the righteousness in his heart. Have we?