Acts 8:11

KJV

And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} to him {G846} they had regard {G4337}, because {G1223} that of long {G2425} time {G5550} he had bewitched {G1839} them {G846} with sorceries {G3095}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They followed him because for a considerable time he had amazed them with his magic.

Berean Standard Bible

They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.

American Standard Version

And they gave heed to him, because that of long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:11 reveals the profound and enduring influence Simon, often called Simon Magus or Simon the Sorcerer, held over the Samaritan populace. For an extended period, the people of Samaria were captivated and astonished by his magical practices, attributing to him a significant, almost divine, authority. This verse underscores the deep spiritual deception that had taken root in the region, setting the stage for the dramatic contrast with the authentic power of God demonstrated through Philip's ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial explanatory clause within the broader narrative of the Gospel's expansion beyond Jerusalem, specifically into Samaria, as detailed in [Acts 8](/acts/8 "Acts 8 - The Gospel Spreads to Samaria"). Following the persecution that scattered believers after Stephen's martyrdom ([Acts 8:1](/acts/8-1 "Acts 8:1 - Persecution and Dispersion")), Philip the evangelist arrives in Samaria. The preceding verses introduce Simon, who had already established himself as a prominent figure, "claiming to be somebody great" ([Acts 8:9](/acts/8-9 "Acts 8:9 - Simon's Self-Proclamation")). The people, from the least to the greatest, were enthralled by him, declaring, "This man is the power of God that is called Great" ([Acts 8:10](/acts/8-10 "Acts 8:10 - Simon's Influence")). Verse 11 then provides the critical background, explaining *why* the Samaritans held Simon in such high regard: his long-standing use of sorceries had "bewitched" them, a state of profound astonishment and mental capture. This sets up the dramatic arrival of Philip, who performs genuine miracles and preaches Christ, leading to widespread conversions and exposing the counterfeit nature of Simon's power ([Acts 8:6-8](/acts/8-6-8 "Acts 8:6-8 - Philip's Ministry in Samaria")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samaria, located between Judea and Galilee, was a region with a complex religious and ethnic identity. The Samaritans were descendants of Israelites who intermarried with foreign peoples during the Assyrian exile, developing their own version of Judaism centered on Mount Gerizim and accepting only the Pentateuch. Historically, there was deep animosity between Jews and Samaritans, making the spread of the Gospel to this region a significant theological and cultural breakthrough. In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, various forms of magic, divination, and sorcery were prevalent. Magicians and wonder-workers often gained considerable followings, offering solutions to problems, predicting the future, or performing feats that appeared supernatural. Simon Magus fits this cultural archetype, leveraging common superstitions and the desire for powerful spiritual intervention. His practices were likely a blend of genuine occultic activity and clever showmanship, designed to exploit the credulity of the populace and elevate his own status in a society where such figures held sway.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 8:11 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Acts and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Spiritual Deception and Counterfeit Power**. Simon's "sorceries" represent a false display of authority, designed to control and impress, contrasting sharply with the authentic, Spirit-empowered ministry of the apostles and evangelists. The people's "bewitchment" illustrates how easily communities can be misled when they lack discernment, attributing divine power to human trickery or demonic influence. Secondly, the phrase "of long time" emphasizes the **Entrenchment of False Beliefs**. Simon's influence was not fleeting; it had become deeply embedded in the Samaritan society, illustrating the challenge of dislodging long-held deceptions. This underscores the need for persistent and powerful proclamation of truth, as seen in Philip's ministry, which ultimately liberates the people from Simon's sway ([Acts 8:12](/acts/8-12 "Acts 8:12 - Samaritans Believe Philip")). Finally, the verse sets the stage for the overarching theme of the **Triumph of the Gospel over Darkness**. Simon's established power is dramatically eclipsed by the genuine power of God demonstrated through Philip, showcasing the superiority of divine truth and grace over all forms of human or demonic manipulation, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament as the kingdom of God advances against the forces of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **had regard (Greek, _proséchō'_):** From G4337, this verb means "to hold the mind towards," implying paying attention to, being cautious about, applying oneself to, or adhering to. In this context, it signifies that the Samaritans gave their full, sustained attention and allegiance to Simon. It suggests a deep, almost reverential, focus on him and his activities, indicating that they were not merely entertained but genuinely committed to his claims and practices.
* **bewitched (Greek, _exístēmi'_):** From G1839, this word literally means "to put (stand) out of wits," or to be astounded, amazed, or beside oneself. It conveys a state of profound mental and emotional disorientation, where one is so overwhelmed by something extraordinary that they are "taken out of themselves." This highlights the powerful psychological and spiritual effect Simon's sorceries had, rendering the people utterly captivated and unable to think clearly or critically about his claims.
* **sorceries (Greek, _mageía'_):** From G3095, this noun directly translates to "magic" or "sorcery." It refers to the practice of occult arts, enchantments, or magical rituals, often associated with those who claim supernatural powers through illicit or non-divine means. This term unequivocally identifies Simon's activities as distinct from and opposed to the true power of God, placing them squarely in the realm of the occult and spiritual deception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to him they had regard":** This clause establishes the central point of the verse: the Samaritans' deep reverence and devoted attention to Simon. The Greek "proséchō" (had regard) implies a sustained and intentional focus, indicating that Simon was not just a passing curiosity but a figure to whom they consistently gave their full attention and belief, treating his claims with seriousness and deference.
* **"because that of long time":** This phrase explains the duration and entrenchment of Simon's influence. The Greek "hikanós chrónos" (long time) emphasizes that his hold over the people was not recent but had been established over an extended period, suggesting a deep-seated pattern of dependence and belief in his abilities. This long duration made his deception particularly pervasive and difficult to overcome.
* **"he had bewitched them with sorceries":** This final clause reveals the specific means and effect of Simon's power. He "bewitched" (exístēmi) them, meaning he utterly astonished and captivated their minds, causing them to be "out of their wits" with amazement. This was achieved "with sorceries" (mageía), clearly identifying his practices as occultic magic, distinct from divine miracles. This clarifies that their "regard" was based on a deceptive, magical influence, not on genuine spiritual truth or power from God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning effectively. **Exaggeration** or **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the people being "bewitched," suggesting a profound, almost incapacitating level of astonishment that borders on being "out of one's mind." This emphasizes the extreme degree of Simon's influence. **Contrast** is implicitly set up, as the narrative immediately following this verse will highlight the stark difference between Simon's deceptive "sorceries" and Philip's genuine, Spirit-empowered miracles. The phrase "of long time" functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, indicating the deep roots of Simon's deception, which will make his eventual confrontation with the Gospel's truth all the more significant. Finally, the use of "sorceries" (mageía) serves as a clear **Categorization**, immediately labeling Simon's activities as occultic and distinguishing them from the divine power that will soon be manifested through Philip.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 8:11 serves as a potent reminder of humanity's susceptibility to spiritual deception and the pervasive nature of false authority when the light of truth is absent. Simon's long-standing influence underscores the spiritual blindness that can grip a community, leading people to attribute divine power to human or demonic trickery. The theological implication is that true spiritual power originates solely from God and is demonstrated through genuine transformation and the proclamation of the Gospel, not through self-aggrandizing displays or occult practices. This verse highlights the constant need for discernment within the church and among believers, to distinguish between authentic manifestations of God's Spirit and deceptive imitations, ensuring that our allegiance is given only to Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominations to the Lord")
* [2 Corinthians 11:13-15](/2_corinthians/11-13-15 "2 Corinthians 11:13-15 - False Apostles Disguised")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 8:11 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to cultivate a robust spiritual discernment, recognizing that impressive displays or charismatic personalities do not automatically equate to divine authority or truth. Simon's long-term hold on the Samaritans reminds us that deception can become deeply entrenched in cultures, communities, and even within religious circles. Therefore, we must continually "test the spirits" ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")) and evaluate all claims of spiritual power or teaching against the unchanging standard of God's Word. Genuine spiritual power always points to Christ, glorifies God, and leads to true repentance and transformation, rather than self-exaltation or mere astonishment. This verse encourages us to seek the authentic, liberating power of the Gospel, which exposes and overcomes all forms of darkness and deception, rather than being captivated by fleeting or fraudulent displays.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "long time" of Simon's influence challenge our assumptions about how easily truth can overcome deeply entrenched deception in our world today?**
* **What are some modern-day "sorceries" or deceptive practices that might "bewitch" people and draw them away from genuine faith in Christ?**
* **How can individual believers and the church as a whole better cultivate spiritual discernment to distinguish between authentic divine power and counterfeit displays?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Samaritans, be prone to giving "regard" to sources of influence that are not truly from God?**

### FAQ

**What does "bewitched" mean in the context of Acts 8:11?**

Answer: In Acts 8:11, "bewitched" (Greek: _exístēmi_) means that Simon's sorceries caused the Samaritans to be utterly astonished, amazed, and captivated to the point of being "out of their wits" or beside themselves. It implies a profound psychological and emotional impact, where they were so overwhelmed by his magical feats that their critical faculties were suspended, leading them to believe he possessed extraordinary, even divine, power. It does not necessarily imply a literal spell or curse in the modern sense, but rather a state of being completely enthralled and deceived by his performances.

**What were Simon's "sorceries" and how did they differ from Philip's miracles?**

Answer: Simon's "sorceries" (Greek: _mageía_) refer to the practice of magic, occult arts, and enchantments. These were likely a combination of trickery, illusion, and possibly demonic influence, designed to impress and manipulate people for his own gain and glory. In stark contrast, Philip's miracles, described in [Acts 8:6-7](/acts/8-6-7 "Acts 8:6-7 - Philip's Miracles"), were genuine acts of divine power, performed in the name of Jesus Christ. These included healing the sick and casting out evil spirits, leading to true liberation and faith in Christ. The key difference lies in the source and purpose: Simon's power was earthly or demonic and self-serving, while Philip's power was from God and served to glorify Christ and spread the Gospel.

**Why did the people have "regard" for Simon for "long time"?**

Answer: The phrase "of long time" (Greek: _hikanós chrónos_) indicates that Simon's influence was deeply established and sustained over an extended period. The people had "regard" (Greek: _proséchō_) for him because his impressive, albeit deceptive, "sorceries" had consistently astonished and captivated them. In a world where genuine divine revelation was scarce and the Samaritans were religiously isolated, Simon filled a spiritual void with his displays of apparent power. His long-standing presence and seemingly supernatural abilities led the populace to attribute great authority to him, even believing him to be "the power of God that is called Great" ([Acts 8:10](/acts/8-10 "Acts 8:10 - Simon's Self-Proclamation")). This highlights how entrenched false beliefs can become within a community over time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 8:11, while detailing Simon's deceptive power, ultimately serves to magnify the supremacy of Christ's genuine authority and the liberating power of His Gospel. Simon's "sorceries" and the people's "bewitchment" represent the spiritual darkness and bondage that gripped humanity before the full revelation of Christ. Just as Simon held the Samaritans captive through counterfeit signs, humanity was enslaved by sin and the deceit of the "prince of the power of the air" ([Ephesians 2:2](/ephesians/2-2 "The Prince of the Power of the Air")). Christ, however, came as the true light, exposing all forms of darkness and deception ([John 1:9](/john/1-9 "The True Light")). His miracles were not mere "sorceries" but authentic demonstrations of God's kingdom breaking into the world, bringing healing, deliverance, and new life ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Jesus' Mission Statement")). The arrival of Philip, preaching Christ and performing genuine signs, directly fulfills the prophetic promise of a greater power that would overcome all principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). The Samaritans' eventual turning from Simon to Christ ([Acts 8:12](/acts/8-12 "Samaritans Believe Philip")) beautifully illustrates the Gospel's power to free those held captive by spiritual blindness, revealing Jesus as the only one truly worthy of "regard" and the ultimate source of all true power and salvation ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Jesus Exalted")).

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

Acts 8:9

But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

Galatians 3:1

¶ O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

Isaiah 47:9

But these two [things] shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, [and] for the great abundance of thine enchantments.

Isaiah 47:13

Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from [these things] that shall come upon thee.

Isaiah 8:19

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

Isaiah 44:25

That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise [men] backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;