Acts 8:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:13 details the immediate and seemingly positive response of Simon, a prominent sorcerer in Samaria, to the powerful ministry of Philip. Having witnessed Philip's authentic miracles and heard his preaching, Simon himself professed belief, was baptized, and subsequently remained in close association with Philip, continually astonished by the divine signs and wonders being performed. This verse marks a pivotal moment where a figure previously revered for his own supernatural feats acknowledges a superior, genuine power at work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 8:13 is situated within the broader narrative of the Gospel's expansion beyond Jerusalem, specifically to Samaria, following the persecution that scattered the believers after Stephen's martyrdom. Philip, one of the seven chosen to serve the church ([Acts 6:5](/acts/6-5 "Selection of the Seven Deacons")), arrived in Samaria proclaiming Christ, performing powerful signs, and casting out unclean spirits, leading to widespread joy and conversions ([Acts 8:5-8](/acts/8-5-8 "Philip's Ministry in Samaria")). Immediately preceding this verse, the text introduces Simon, a sorcerer who had long captivated the Samaritan populace, leading them to believe he was "the Power of God, which is called Great" ([Acts 8:9-11](/acts/8-9-11 "Simon the Sorcerer's Influence")). Acts 8:13 thus serves as Simon's initial reaction to Philip's ministry, setting the stage for the subsequent revelation of the true nature of his "belief" when Peter and John arrive in [Acts 8:14-24](/acts/8-14-24 "Peter and John in Samaria; Simon's Sin").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Samaria, located between Judea and Galilee, was a region inhabited by Samaritans, a people with a mixed heritage who held to a distinct form of Judaism, often antagonistic towards the Jews of Jerusalem. This historical animosity makes the successful evangelization of Samaria a significant step in the early church's mission. Within this context, magic and sorcery, as practiced by Simon, were common and often highly respected forms of power and influence in the ancient world. Simon's ability to "bewitch" the people suggests he employed various magical arts, perhaps involving incantations, divination, or illusions, which were widely accepted as legitimate expressions of power. Philip's genuine miracles, however, were distinct, demonstrating a power that transcended human manipulation, aligning with the prophetic tradition of God's direct intervention. The act of baptism, as observed by Simon, was a public declaration of conversion and commitment, a practice deeply rooted in Jewish proselyte traditions and adopted by early Christians as a sign of new life in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **irresistible power of the Gospel** and the Holy Spirit, which can even sway those deeply entrenched in opposing spiritual practices. Simon, despite his own magical prowess, was utterly compelled by the authentic divine power manifested through Philip. Secondly, it introduces the critical theme of **discerning the nature of belief**. While Simon "believed also" and was baptized, the subsequent narrative reveals his faith was superficial, motivated by wonder at the signs rather than genuine repentance and submission to Christ ([Acts 8:18-23](/acts/8-18-23 "Simon's Attempt to Buy the Holy Spirit")). This underscores that outward acts of faith do not always equate to inward spiritual transformation. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's sovereignty over all powers**, demonstrating that the true power of God, as displayed through Philip's ministry, far surpasses any human or demonic ability, even those that had previously held people captive.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō_):** This verb signifies to have faith, to credit, or to entrust oneself to someone or something. While it can denote genuine, saving faith (as often used for other converts in Acts), its application to Simon here, especially when viewed in light of his later actions, suggests an intellectual assent or a conviction based on observable phenomena rather than a transformative spiritual commitment. Simon "credited" Philip's message and the power behind it, perhaps viewing it as a superior form of magic.
* **wondered (Greek, _exístēmi_):** Derived from "to put (stand) out of wits," this term conveys a state of being utterly astounded, amazed, or even beside oneself. It describes Simon's profound astonishment and bewilderment at Philip's miracles. This is not merely intellectual curiosity but a deep emotional and psychological impact, indicating that Philip's works profoundly surpassed anything Simon himself could achieve or explain through his own magical arts.
* **miracles (Greek, _dýnamis_) and signs (Greek, _sēmeîon_):** _Dýnamis_ refers to inherent power, ability, or might, often specifically miraculous power or a miracle itself. _Sēmeîon_ denotes an indication, a token, or a sign, especially one that is ceremonially or supernaturally significant. Together, "miracles and signs" (often used as a hendiadys) describe supernatural demonstrations that reveal divine power and authenticate the message being preached. For Simon, these were not just impressive feats but undeniable evidence of a power far beyond his own, compelling his "belief" and subsequent wonder.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Simon himself believed also:"** This phrase indicates Simon's immediate response to Philip's preaching and miraculous ministry. The inclusion of "himself" (Greek: _autós_) emphasizes that even this prominent and influential sorcerer, who had previously held sway over the people, was now convinced of the truth of Philip's message. His "belief" at this stage appears to be an intellectual acceptance of the reality of God's power, perhaps viewing Philip as a greater practitioner of supernatural arts.
* **"and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip,"** Simon's belief led to his baptism, a public act of identification with the Christian community and its message. His subsequent action of "continuing with Philip" (Greek: _proskarteréō_) suggests a close association, a diligent attendance, and a sustained interest in Philip's activities. This indicates his fascination with the source of Philip's power and his desire to observe it firsthand, rather than necessarily a deep spiritual commitment to Christ.
* **"and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done."** This clause explains the primary motivation for Simon's continued association with Philip: his profound astonishment. The word "wondered" (Greek: _exístēmi_) implies being utterly amazed or "beside oneself" with awe. He was captivated by the authentic "miracles and signs" (Greek: _dýnamis_ and _sēmeîon_) that Philip performed, which stood in stark contrast to his own magical practices. His focus remained on the spectacular demonstrations of power rather than the spiritual truth they pointed to.

#### Literary Devices
The passage makes effective use of **Contrast**, highlighting the stark difference between Simon's previous magical influence and the genuine divine power manifested through Philip. Simon, who once "bewitched" the people with his sorcery ([Acts 8:9](/acts/8-9 "Simon's Sorcery")), is now himself "wondering" at the authentic miracles, underscoring the superiority of God's power over human manipulation. There is also a subtle **Irony** in Simon, the one who claimed to be "the Power of God, which is called Great," now following and being astonished by Philip, a humble evangelist. This reversal of roles powerfully demonstrates the transformative impact of the Gospel. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Foreshadowing**, as Simon's superficial belief and fascination with power, rather than the Person of Christ, subtly hint at the flawed nature of his conversion, which will be fully exposed in the subsequent verses when he attempts to buy the Holy Spirit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 8:13 serves as a cautionary tale regarding the nature of belief and the importance of spiritual discernment. While Simon outwardly conformed to the practices of the early church by believing and being baptized, his motivation was rooted in a fascination with power and spectacle rather than genuine repentance and submission to Christ. This highlights that not all expressions of faith are salvific; true conversion involves a transformed heart, not merely an intellectual assent or an admiration for divine power. The passage implicitly warns against a "faith" that seeks personal gain or power, rather than seeking God Himself. It emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is not a commodity to be bought or manipulated, but a sovereign gift of God, freely given to those who genuinely believe.

* [Acts 8:18-23](/acts/8-18-23 "Simon's Attempt to Buy the Holy Spirit")
* [Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")
* [1 John 2:19](/1_john/2-19 "They Went Out From Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Simon's story in Acts 8:13 and the subsequent verses provides a profound opportunity for self-reflection on the nature of our own faith. It challenges us to examine the depth of our commitment to Christ: Is our belief rooted in a genuine love for God and a desire to follow Him, or is it primarily driven by the benefits, experiences, or perceived power that Christianity might offer? We must guard against a superficial faith that is impressed by outward displays or intellectual arguments but lacks true heart transformation. True faith leads to repentance, a changed life, and a desire to glorify God, not to manipulate His power for personal gain. This passage calls us to cultivate a discerning spirit, to test the spirits, and to ensure that our worship and devotion are directed solely to Christ, not to the signs and wonders themselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my primary motivations for following Christ? Am I seeking Him for who He is, or for what He can do for me?**
* **How can I discern between genuine spiritual transformation and a superficial, performance-oriented "belief"?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "buy" or manipulate spiritual power, rather than humbly receiving it as a gift from God?**
* **How does Simon's story encourage me to examine the depth of my own baptismal vows and commitment to Christ?**

### FAQ
**Was Simon's belief in Acts 8:13 genuine and salvific?**

Answer: While Acts 8:13 states that Simon "believed also" and was baptized, the subsequent narrative strongly suggests his belief was not genuine, saving faith. His actions in [Acts 8:18-19](/acts/8-18-19 "Simon Offers Money for the Holy Spirit") reveal that he viewed the Holy Spirit as a power he could purchase and control, rather than a divine gift. Peter's rebuke in [Acts 8:20-23](/acts/8-20-23 "Peter's Rebuke of Simon") clearly indicates that Simon's "heart is not right in the sight of God," and he was "in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." This demonstrates that his initial "belief" was likely an intellectual assent or a fascination with Philip's power, rather than true repentance and a transformed heart.

**Why was Simon baptized if his faith wasn't true?**

Answer: The early church, including Philip, likely baptized individuals who made a public profession of faith, as baptism was the outward sign of conversion. At the point of baptism, Simon had outwardly expressed belief and showed a desire to associate with Philip's ministry. The full extent of his heart's condition was not immediately apparent. This situation highlights that while baptism is an essential step of obedience for believers, it is an outward symbol that must correspond to an inward reality of genuine faith and repentance. The incident with Simon serves as a powerful reminder that outward religious acts do not automatically equate to true spiritual transformation, and the church must exercise discernment, though sometimes the true nature of a person's faith only becomes evident over time, as it did with Simon.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The story of Simon in Acts 8:13, though focused on a flawed human response, ultimately magnifies the supremacy and unique nature of Christ. Simon's initial "belief" and astonishment at Philip's miracles, while superficial, underscore the undeniable power that flows from the resurrected Christ, a power far exceeding any human or demonic ability. Unlike Simon, who sought to manipulate power for personal gain, Jesus consistently demonstrated divine power with compassion, always pointing to the Father's glory and the establishment of God's kingdom. Simon's story serves as a stark contrast to the true nature of faith in Christ, which is not about acquiring supernatural abilities but about surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit as a transforming presence, not a transactional commodity. The genuine power that Philip wielded was a manifestation of Christ's ongoing work through His Spirit, demonstrating that the authority to cast out demons and heal the sick ultimately belongs to the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Simon's desire for power, divorced from genuine relationship with Christ, foreshadows the ultimate futility of seeking spiritual benefits without embracing the One who is the source of all life and true power ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "You are Complete in Christ")). Thus, Simon's story, by highlighting what true faith is *not*, implicitly glorifies Christ as the only one who offers genuine, heart-transforming salvation and the true, unpurchasable gift of the Holy Spirit ([Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Repent and Be Baptized for the Forgiveness of Sins")).

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 19:11

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

Acts 8:6

And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

Acts 8:7

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed [with them]: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

John 5:20

For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

John 2:23

¶ Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast [day], many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

John 2:25

And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

Luke 8:13

They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.