Acts 8 11

Acts 8:11 kjv

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

Acts 8:11 nkjv

And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.

Acts 8:11 niv

They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery.

Acts 8:11 esv

And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.

Acts 8:11 nlt

They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.

Acts 8 verses

Acts 8 11 Meaning

Acts 8:11 explains why the people of Samaria were captivated by Simon Magus: for an extended period, he had astonishingly impressed them through his magical practices. This verse highlights the deep-seated influence Simon had gained over the Samaritan populace, stemming from their fascination and amazement at his sorcery.

Acts 8 11 Context

Acts chapter 8 introduces Philip the evangelist, who travels to Samaria to preach the Gospel. Before Philip's arrival, the city was under the strong influence of a man named Simon, described as a sorcerer (Acts 8:9). Simon amazed the people by claiming to be "someone great" (Acts 8:9), and they paid him great deference, from the least to the greatest, believing he was the "power of God that is called Great" (Acts 8:10). Verse 11 directly follows this description, providing the reason for their long-standing devotion: his captivating magic arts. This context sets up a dramatic spiritual confrontation between Simon's deceptive power and the authentic power of God demonstrated through Philip's ministry of healing and evangelism (Acts 8:6-7), culminating in the Samaritans' conversion to Christ and Simon's temporary conversion (Acts 8:12-13).

Acts 8 11 Word analysis

• And they paid attention to him:

  • Original Greek: προσείχον δὲ αὐτῷ (proseichon de autō)
  • προσείχον (proseichon) comes from προσεχω (prosecho), meaning "to give heed to," "to devote oneself to," "to cling to." The imperfect tense indicates a continuous or habitual action, showing their ongoing, sustained focus on Simon. It suggests more than casual notice; it implies a deep commitment and reliance on his perceived power.
  • δὲ (de): A common connective particle, translated "and" or "but," indicating a continuation or slight shift.
  • αὐτῷ (autō): "to him," referring to Simon. The dative case implies the object of their sustained attention. This focus stands in stark contrast to the attention due only to God or His messengers.

• because for a long time:

  • Original Greek: διὰ τὸ ἱκανῷ χρόνῳ (dia to hikanō chronō)
  • διὰ τὸ (dia to): A prepositional phrase meaning "because of the fact that," providing the reason for their paying attention.
  • ἱκανῷ (hikanō): Dative form of ἱκανός (hikanos), meaning "sufficient," "ample," "considerable." Here, it conveys a significant or substantial duration.
  • χρόνῳ (chronō): Dative form of χρόνος (chronos), meaning "time."
  • Together, ἱκανῷ χρόνῳ emphasizes the protracted period of Simon's influence, highlighting how deeply ingrained his deception was within the Samaritan community. His reputation was well-established over a considerable length of time.

• he had amazed them:

  • Original Greek: ἐξεστακέναι αὐτούς (exestakenai autous)
  • ἐξεστακέναι (exestakenai): Perfect active infinitive of ἐξίστημι (existemi). This verb literally means "to put out of place," "to displace," but in this context, it signifies "to stand outside oneself," "to be astounded," "to be dumbfounded," "to throw into an ecstasy." The perfect tense emphasizes a completed action with continuing results – they had been amazed and remained in that state of astonishment. This was not a fleeting wonder but a prolonged, impactful state of being deeply impressed.
  • αὐτούς (autous): "them," referring to the people of Samaria.

• with his magic arts:

  • Original Greek: ταῖς μαγείαις αὐτοῦ (tais mageiais autou)
  • ταῖς μαγείαις (tais mageiais): Dative plural of μαγεία (mageia), meaning "magic," "sorcery," "enchantment." It refers to the practices of a μάγος (magos), a magician or sorcerer. In the biblical context, especially the New Testament, μαγεία often carries negative connotations, associated with occult practices forbidden by God. It signifies the use of power from sources other than God, often for personal gain or manipulation, frequently involving demonic influence or clever illusion.
  • αὐτοῦ (autou): "his," explicitly linking these sorceries to Simon.

Acts 8 11 Bonus section

The historical and cultural backdrop of Samaria during this period often saw various "divine man" figures (theios anēr) gaining influence through alleged miraculous abilities or spiritual pronouncements. Simon Magus would have fit this mold, likely leveraging existing folk beliefs and spiritual hunger to establish his reputation. The mention of "magic arts" is a direct contrast to the legitimate spiritual gifts and signs performed by true followers of Christ. This verse subtly highlights a major biblical polemic: the ongoing struggle between true divine power manifested through God's Spirit versus counterfeit spiritual power derived from deception, human cleverness, or demonic sources. Simon's practices represent the latter, drawing people not to repentance and faith but to an impressive display. The conversion of the Samaritans, previously devoted to Simon, demonstrates the superior power and attractiveness of the true Gospel, which brings liberation from such spiritual bondage.

Acts 8 11 Commentary

Acts 8:11 provides a critical explanation for Simon Magus's profound grip on the Samaritan people: his magical acts, consistently displayed over a significant period, had left them utterly amazed and devoted. This verse underscores the pervasive power of spiritual deception and illusion. Simon's μαγεία (magic arts) were not merely tricks but appeared as genuine displays of supernatural power, convincing the populace that he possessed "the great power of God" (Acts 8:10). This established him as a charismatic, influential figure in their society, demonstrating how people, seeking wonder or power, can be led astray by impressive but ungodly displays. The sustained nature of his influence ("for a long time") further emphasizes the spiritual blindness that gripped Samaria, making Philip's subsequent arrival and demonstration of true divine power (Acts 8:6-7) a powerful and immediate counter-force that shattered Simon's long-standing authority and prepared the hearts of many for the authentic Gospel. This narrative stands as a stark reminder to discern true divine manifestations from mere sorcery or deceptive displays, emphasizing that true power glorifies God, not man, and leads to salvation rather than self-exaltation.