Acts 8:10

KJV

To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

To whom {G3739} they all {G3956} gave heed {G4337}, from {G575} the least {G3398} to {G2193} the greatest {G3173}, saying {G3004}, This man {G3778} is {G2076} the great {G3173} power {G1411} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone gave heed to him, from the lowest to the highest, saying, “This man is the power of God called ‘The Great Power’.”

Berean Standard Bible

and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.”

American Standard Version

to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is that power of God which is called Great.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:10 vividly portrays the widespread influence of Simon the Sorcerer over the Samaritan populace, who, from every social stratum, were captivated by his magical displays. They were so deeply impressed that they declared him to be "the great power of God," attributing divine omnipotence to a mere man. This verse sets the stage for a dramatic spiritual confrontation, highlighting the profound spiritual deception prevalent in Samaria just before the arrival of Philip, who would preach the authentic gospel of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of Simon in [Acts 8:9](/acts/8-9 "Acts 8:9 - Simon the Sorcerer's Influence"), where he is described as having "bewitched" the people with his sorceries. Acts 8:10 further elaborates on the extent and nature of his influence, emphasizing that his sway was not limited to a select few but encompassed "all" the people, "from the least to the greatest." This widespread spiritual enthrallment provides a crucial backdrop for understanding the dramatic impact of Philip's subsequent ministry, detailed in [Acts 8:12](/acts/8-12 "Acts 8:12 - Samaritans Believe Philip's Preaching"), where the same people who revered Simon now readily embrace the true gospel. The narrative contrasts Simon's deceptive power with the genuine, life-transforming power of the Holy Spirit demonstrated through Philip, aligning with the broader theme in Acts of the gospel breaking through spiritual strongholds and expanding beyond traditional Jewish boundaries, as prophesied in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Samaritans were a people of mixed Jewish and Gentile heritage, often viewed with suspicion and animosity by orthodox Jews. Their religious practices differed significantly, including their worship on Mount Gerizim and their acceptance of only the Pentateuch as Scripture. This unique identity, coupled with a history of spiritual syncretism, may have made them particularly susceptible to charismatic figures who claimed supernatural abilities. In the Greco-Roman world, magic and sorcery were prevalent, often intertwined with religious beliefs and practices, and individuals claiming divine power or special access to the spiritual realm held considerable sway. Simon's ability to perform "sorceries" (Greek: *mageiai*) would have been perceived as a genuine manifestation of power, leading the Samaritans to attribute to him a status akin to a divine being, as evidenced by their declaration.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 8:10 is pivotal in establishing several key themes within the broader narrative. It starkly highlights the theme of **deception versus true divine power**, presenting Simon's counterfeit abilities as a stark contrast to the authentic miracles performed by God through His apostles. The verse also underscores the theme of **spiritual blindness**, as the Samaritans, despite their religious background, were unable to discern between genuine spiritual authority and Simon's trickery, attributing to him "the great power of God." This widespread spiritual vulnerability sets the stage for the gospel's transformative impact, demonstrating that the true "power of God unto salvation" ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")) is not found in human spectacle or manipulation but in the divine message of Christ. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **the gospel's expansion**, showing how the message of salvation penetrates deeply entrenched spiritual strongholds and reaches diverse peoples, fulfilling the mandate given by Jesus in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** From *dýnamai*, meaning force (literally or figuratively); specifically, miraculous power. This is the root of the English word "dynamite," signifying inherent strength, ability, or might. The Samaritans' use of this term indicates their belief that Simon possessed a profound, inherent supernatural capability, akin to divine energy.
* **great (Greek, _mégas'_):** This word signifies something big, large, or mighty, encompassing both literal and figurative greatness. When combined with "power," it intensifies the attribution, suggesting that Simon's perceived power was not merely significant but immense, unparalleled, and awe-inspiring in its scope and effect.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** Refers to a deity, and with the definite article, specifically the supreme Divinity. By declaring Simon "the great power of God," the Samaritans were not merely acknowledging him as powerful, but were attributing to him the very essence and might of the divine, elevating him to a god-like status or seeing him as a direct manifestation of God's own omnipotence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To whom they all gave heed":** This phrase emphasizes the universal attention and compliance Simon commanded. The Greek verb *proséchō* (gave heed) implies not just listening, but paying close attention, being cautious about, and applying oneself to, suggesting a deep engagement and acceptance of Simon's claims and performances.
* **"from the least to the greatest":** This is a merism, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. It signifies that Simon's influence spanned all social strata, from the lowest in society to the most prominent. No one was exempt from his captivating hold, underscoring the comprehensive nature of his deception.
* **"saying, This man is the great power of God":** This is the core declaration of the verse, revealing the profound spiritual delusion of the Samaritans. They unequivocally identify Simon, a human sorcerer, with "the great power of God" (*hē megalē dýnamis tou Theou*). This attribution is a form of idolatry, as it ascribes to a created being the unique attributes and power belonging solely to the Creator, demonstrating the depth of their spiritual blindness and Simon's successful manipulation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "from the least to the greatest," which is used to emphasize the absolute and pervasive nature of Simon's influence, suggesting that virtually every person in Samaria was under his sway. This exaggeration highlights the formidable spiritual obstacle Philip would face. There is also a strong element of **irony** present: the Samaritans mistakenly identify Simon, a practitioner of sorcery, as "the great power of God," while the true "power of God" is about to manifest through Philip's humble, Spirit-empowered ministry, which will expose Simon's deception. This sets up a dramatic contrast between counterfeit and genuine divine authority. Furthermore, the verse serves as effective **foreshadowing**, building anticipation for the subsequent narrative where the true power of the Holy Spirit, working through Philip, will dramatically eclipse Simon's false claims and lead to widespread conversion, revealing the true source of divine power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 8:10 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine power and the ever-present danger of spiritual deception. The Samaritans' declaration that Simon was "the great power of God" reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of God's unique sovereignty and omnipotence. True divine power (dýnamis) originates solely from God, is exercised for His glory, and is consistently aligned with His revealed truth and redemptive purposes. Simon's power, by contrast, was self-serving, deceptive, and ultimately a counterfeit, designed to elevate himself rather than God. This verse underscores the critical importance of spiritual discernment, reminding believers that not all manifestations of power or charisma are from God. Attributing divine power to a human figure, as the Samaritans did, constitutes a form of idolatry, diverting worship and trust from the Creator to the created. The narrative thus challenges us to constantly evaluate the source and purpose of any claimed spiritual power, ensuring that our allegiance remains solely with the one true God.

* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:9-10](/2_thessalonians/2-9-10 "2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 - The Lawless One's Deception")
* [Matthew 24:24](/matthew/24-24 "Matthew 24:24 - False Christs and Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 8:10 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers, urging us to cultivate robust spiritual discernment in a world brimming with diverse spiritual claims and charismatic personalities. Just as the Samaritans were captivated by Simon's deceptive displays, we too can be vulnerable to those who present themselves with impressive abilities or persuasive rhetoric, potentially mistaking human manipulation or even demonic influence for genuine divine power. This passage calls us to critically examine the source, fruit, and ultimate allegiance of any spiritual manifestation or teaching. Our faith must be rooted in the unchanging truth of God's Word and the authentic work of the Holy Spirit, not in sensational experiences or the veneration of human leaders. We are challenged to prioritize the humble, transformative power of the gospel over any show of force or charisma that does not glorify Christ alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we, in our modern context, discern between genuine spiritual power and counterfeit manifestations or human manipulation?**
* **What are the potential dangers of attributing divine authority or unique spiritual power to human leaders, movements, or experiences?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper reliance on God's Word and the Holy Spirit to guide our discernment and protect us from deception?**

### FAQ
**What made the Samaritans so susceptible to Simon's deception?**

Answer: The Samaritans' susceptibility stemmed from a confluence of factors. Historically, they had a mixed religious heritage, distinct from orthodox Judaism, which might have made them more open to novel spiritual claims. They also lacked the full biblical revelation and prophetic tradition that could have provided a stronger framework for discernment. Furthermore, in the ancient world, displays of magic and supernatural power were often seen as evidence of divine favor or connection, and Simon's "sorceries" were genuinely astonishing, filling a spiritual void and fulfilling a human desire for the miraculous.

**How does Simon's "power" differ from the power of the Holy Spirit demonstrated through Philip?**

Answer: Simon's "power" was fundamentally deceptive, self-serving, and likely derived from human trickery, demonic influence, or both. It aimed to elevate Simon himself and generate personal gain, as seen in [Acts 8:18-19](/acts/8-18-19 "Acts 8:18-19 - Simon Tries to Buy the Spirit"). In contrast, the power of the Holy Spirit, as manifested through Philip, was genuine, divine in origin, and always glorified God. It was used for true healing, deliverance, and, most importantly, for the proclamation of the gospel, leading to repentance, faith, and salvation ([Acts 8:6-8](/acts/8-6-8 "Acts 8:6-8 - Philip's Ministry in Samaria")). The Holy Spirit's power transforms lives and builds up the church, while Simon's power ultimately led to spiritual bondage and an attempt to corrupt divine gifts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Samaritans' declaration that Simon was "the great power of God" stands in stark contrast to the true and ultimate manifestation of God's power revealed in Jesus Christ. While Simon was a man who merely claimed or mimicked divine power for self-exaltation, Jesus *is* the very "power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). His miracles were not sorcery or illusion but genuine acts of divine authority, demonstrating His dominion over sickness, death, and evil spirits ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")). The ultimate display of God's "great power" is not found in human spectacle but in Christ's resurrection from the dead, by which God "raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion" ([Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20-21 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - God's Power in Christ's Resurrection")). The "great power of God" that transforms lives is the gospel message itself, which is "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Thus, Simon's false claim serves as a dark backdrop against which the unparalleled and redemptive power of the true Messiah, Jesus Christ, shines all the more brightly.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 31:34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

2 Peter 2:2

And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

Revelation 13:3

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

1 Corinthians 1:24

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Ephesians 4:14

That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Acts 28:6

Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

Acts 14:11

And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.