Acts 8:13

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Moreover, Shim‘on himself came to believe; and after being immersed, he attached himself closely to Philip; and he was amazed as he saw the miraculous signs and great works of power that kept taking place.

Berean Standard Bible:

Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip closely and was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed.

American Standard Version:

And Simon also himself believed: and being baptized, he continued with Philip; and beholding signs and great miracles wrought, he was amazed.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then^{G1161} Simon^{G4613} himself^{G846} believed^{G4100} also^{G2532}: and^{G2532} when he was baptized^{G907}, he continued^{{G2258}{G4342}} with Philip^{G5376}, and^{G5037} wondered^{G1839}, beholding^{G2334} the miracles^{G1411} and^{G2532} signs^{{G4592}{G3173}} which were done^{{G1096}{G1096}}.

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Commentary for Acts 8:13

Acts 8:13 is a verse set within the context of the early Christian Church's expansion beyond Jerusalem, particularly into Samaria. The verse is part of the narrative concerning Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven deacons chosen to serve the church in Jerusalem (Acts 6:5), who is now preaching the gospel in Samaria with great success.

The verse specifically mentions Simon the Sorcerer, a man who had previously practiced magic and amazed the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great (Acts 8:9-11). However, upon hearing Philip's proclamation of the kingdom of God and seeing the miracles and signs he performed, Simon himself believes and is baptized. This moment marks a significant transformation in Simon's life, as he moves from being a practitioner of sorcery to a convert to Christianity.

The themes present in this verse include the power of the gospel to transform lives, the inclusion of non-Jewish converts (Samaritans) into the early Church, and the role of miracles and signs as evidence of God's power at work through His followers. Simon's conversion also serves as a prelude to the subsequent account of the Apostles Peter and John coming to Samaria to lay hands on the new believers, so they might receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). This event highlights the early Church's structure and the apostolic authority, as well as the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.

Historically, this verse reflects the dynamic growth of the early Church and its mission to spread the message of Jesus Christ beyond the Jewish community, reaching out to Samaritans and later to the Gentiles. It also sets the stage for theological discussions and developments regarding the nature of conversion, baptism, and the reception of the Holy Spirit, which would become central to the Christian faith.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
2. Strong's Number: G4613
   There are 70 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Σίμων
   Transliteration: Símōn
   Pronunciation: see'-mone
   Description: of Hebrew origin (שִׁמְעוֹן); Simon (i.e. Shimon), the name of nine Israelites:--Simon. Compare Συμεών.
   
3. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
4. Strong's Number: G4100
   There are 220 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πιστεύω
   Transliteration: pisteúō
   Pronunciation: pist-yoo'-o
   Description: from πίστις; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):--believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.
   
5. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
6. Strong's Number: G907
   There are 65 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: βαπτίζω
   Transliteration: baptízō
   Pronunciation: bap-tid'-zo
   Description: from a derivative of βάπτω; to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism:--Baptist, baptize, wash.
   
7. Strong's Number: G2258
   There are 416 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἦν
   Transliteration: ēn
   Pronunciation: ane
   Description: imperfect of εἰμί; I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were):--+ agree, be, X have (+ charge of), hold, use, was(-t), were.
   
8. Strong's Number: G4342
   There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: προσκαρτερέω
   Transliteration: proskarteréō
   Pronunciation: pros-kar-ter-eh'-o
   Description: from πρός and καρτερέω; to be earnest towards, i.e. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor):--attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually).
   
9. Strong's Number: G5376
   There are 37 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Φίλιππος
   Transliteration: Phílippos
   Pronunciation: fil'-ip-pos
   Description: from φίλος and ἵππος; fond of horses; Philippus, the name of four Israelites:--Philip.
   
10. Strong's Number: G5037
    There are 192 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: τέ
    Transliteration: té
    Pronunciation: teh
    Description: a primary particle (enclitic) of connection or addition; both or also (properly, as correlation of καί):--also, and, both, even, then, whether. Often used in composition, usually as the latter participle.
    
11. Strong's Number: G1839
    There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐξίστημι
    Transliteration: exístēmi
    Pronunciation: ex-is'-tay-mee
    Description: from ἐκ and ἵστημι; to put (stand) out of wits, i.e. astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane:--amaze, be (make) astonished, be beside self (selves), bewitch, wonder.
    
12. Strong's Number: G2334
    There are 55 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: θεωρέω
    Transliteration: theōréō
    Pronunciation: theh-o-reh'-o
    Description: from a derivative of θεάομαι (perhaps by addition of ὁράω); to be a spectator of, i.e. discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge)):--behold, consider, look on, perceive, see. Compare ὀπτάνομαι.
    
13. Strong's Number: G1411
    There are 116 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: δύναμις
    Transliteration: dýnamis
    Pronunciation: doo'-nam-is
    Description: from δύναμαι; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):--ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
    
14. Strong's Number: G4592
    There are 69 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σημεῖον
    Transliteration: sēmeîon
    Pronunciation: say-mi'-on
    Description: neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of σημαίνω; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally:--miracle, sign, token, wonder.
    
15. Strong's Number: G3173
    There are 185 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: μέγας
    Transliteration: mégas
    Pronunciation: meg'-as
    Description: (including the prolonged forms, feminine , plural , etc.; compare also μέγιστος, μείζων); big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application):--(+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years.
    
16. Strong's Number: G1096
    There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: γίνομαι
    Transliteration: gínomai
    Pronunciation: ghin'-om-ahee
    Description: a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.):--arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought.