Acts 8:13

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Commentary

Acts 8:13 describes the immediate reaction of Simon, a well-known sorcerer in Samaria, to the powerful ministry of Philip the evangelist.

Context

Following the persecution in Jerusalem, Philip, one of the seven chosen to serve the church (Acts 6:5), traveled to Samaria and began preaching Christ. His ministry was marked by great success, as he cast out evil spirits and healed many, leading to widespread joy in the city (Acts 8:5-8). Before Philip's arrival, Simon had been a prominent figure, astounding the people with his magic and leading them to believe he was "some great one" (Acts 8:9-11). This verse details Simon's response to the authentic divine power he witnessed through Philip.

Key Themes

  • Simon's Initial Belief: The verse states Simon "believed also." This suggests an intellectual or superficial acceptance of Philip's message, perhaps because he was amazed by the genuine miracles. However, the subsequent narrative in Acts 8:18-23 reveals that Simon's faith was not a true, saving conversion, as his heart was not right before God. This highlights that outward acts like baptism do not automatically equate to genuine spiritual transformation.
  • The Power of God's Miracles: Simon, who himself practiced sorcery, was utterly astonished by the authentic miracles and signs performed by Philip. The Greek word for "wondered" or "astonished" here is existasthai, meaning to be "beside oneself" with amazement. This stark contrast between his own limited magic and God's undeniable power led to his immediate, albeit flawed, adherence to Philip.
  • Philip's Effective Ministry: Philip's faithfulness in proclaiming the Gospel and demonstrating God's power was immensely effective. His focus on preaching the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ was central to the spiritual awakening in Samaria. Even a prominent opponent like Simon was temporarily drawn in by the undeniable evidence of God's presence.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "believed" (episteusen) used for Simon is the same word used for others who genuinely believed in Philip's ministry. However, the context of Simon's later actions shows that his belief was not of the same quality. His "wondering" (existasthai) at the miracles suggests his focus was primarily on the supernatural spectacle rather than the spiritual truth or the Person of Christ. This distinction is crucial for understanding the difference between intellectual assent and true, heart-changing faith.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a powerful reminder that not all "belief" is salvific. It cautions us against superficial faith that is attracted by outward displays of power or benefits rather than a genuine repentance and commitment to Christ. We are called to examine the depth of our own faith, ensuring it is rooted in a transformed heart and a desire to follow God, not merely in an admiration for His power or the impressive aspects of Christianity. True faith leads to a confession of Jesus as Lord and belief in one's heart that results in a changed life.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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