Acts 8 13

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.

Acts 8:13 nkjv

Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

Acts 8:13 niv

Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

Acts 8:13 esv

Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

Acts 8:13 nlt

Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed.

Acts 8 verses

Acts 8 13 Meaning

Acts 8:13 describes Simon the sorcerer's apparent conversion: he believed Philip's message, was baptized, and consistently remained with Philip, astonished by the authentic miracles and signs Philip performed. This verse details Simon's initial response, showcasing his outward conformity to the Christian faith, driven by fascination with Philip's superior power rather than genuine spiritual regeneration. It sets the stage for the revelation of his true motivations later in the chapter.

Acts 8 13 Context

Acts chapter 8 opens with the intensified persecution of the church in Jerusalem following Stephen's martyrdom, leading to the scattering of believers (Acts 8:1-4). This scattering, paradoxically, propelled the gospel outwards, reaching Samaria through Philip. Philip preached Christ, performed undeniable miracles, and cast out unclean spirits, leading to widespread belief and joy among the Samaritans (Acts 8:5-8, 12). Within this thriving spiritual awakening, Simon the sorcerer is introduced (Acts 8:9-11). He was a highly influential figure, revered by the Samaritans, who believed him to embody "the Great Power of God" due to his deceptive magical arts. Verse 13 specifically describes Simon's reaction to Philip's genuinely divine power, marking his public "conversion." However, the events immediately following this verse (Acts 8:14-24), especially Simon's attempt to purchase the power of imparting the Holy Spirit, clearly reveal his initial "belief" was not one of saving faith, but a mercenary interest in spiritual authority for personal gain. This highlights the early church's encounter with both genuine spiritual power and the deceptive influence of the occult, emphasizing the distinction between true conversion and superficial assent.

Acts 8 13 Word analysis

• Then Simon himself believed also:

  • Then: Signifies a chronological progression and immediate consequence of Philip's powerful ministry.
  • Simon: (Greek: Σίμων, Simōn) Refers to Simon Magus, the sorcerer prominent in Samaria. The name itself is Hebrew in origin meaning "Heard." His identification is crucial for understanding the nature of his belief, contrasting his previous identity as a revered sorcerer (Acts 8:9-11) with his new, public profession.
  • himself: (Greek: καὶ αὐτὸς, kai autos) Emphasizes Simon, indicating that even he, the formidable and respected sorcerer, responded. This suggests the remarkable power of Philip's ministry that could seemingly sway such a figure. It highlights the surprising nature of his "belief" to the original audience familiar with Simon's reputation.
  • believed: (Greek: ἐπίστευσεν, episteusen) The aorist active indicative of pisteuō, meaning "to put faith in, to trust, to be convinced." In isolation, this verb often denotes saving faith in the New Testament. However, in Simon's case, when read in light of Acts 8:18-24, this "belief" appears to be an intellectual assent to the factual reality of Philip's powerful works rather than a spiritual commitment or true regeneration. His belief was likely empirical (seeing undeniable power) but not redemptive (surrendering to Christ). It indicates he accepted that what Philip was doing was real, and superior to his own magic, but not necessarily that Philip's God was his God.
  • also: (Greek: καὶ, kai) Means "and, also, even." It connects Simon's response to that of the many other Samaritans who had previously believed Philip and been baptized (Acts 8:12). Simon appears to join the throng of new believers.

• and when he was baptized,

  • baptized: (Greek: ἐβαπτίσθη, ebaptisthē) The aorist passive indicative of baptizō, "to immerse, baptize." This signifies the act of ritual immersion in water, a public declaration of association with Christ and entrance into the Christian community. For Simon, it was an external act performed without genuine inward repentance or identification with Christ's death and resurrection (Rom 6:3-4). He received the outward sign, but not the inward grace it symbolized. This demonstrates that baptism, while commanded, does not automatically confer true conversion if the heart is not right.

• he continued with Philip,

  • continued with: (Greek: ἦν προσκαρτερῶν, ēn proskarterōn) Imperfect active participle of proskartereō, "to be devoted to, attend constantly, persevere in." This suggests a consistent and persistent association. Simon remained in Philip's close company, possibly as a disciple or assistant. This constant attendance underscores his intense interest and fascination. It might imply a desire to observe Philip's methods closely, to unravel the "secrets" of his power, rather than genuine spiritual devotion to Philip's message.

• and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

  • wondered: (Greek: ἐξίστατο, existato) Imperfect active indicative of existēmi, "to be amazed, astonished, beside oneself, to be ecstatic." This verb implies a profound, overwhelming amazement. It is the same word used for the crowd's reaction to Simon's sorcery (Acts 8:9, 11). Simon, the one who amazed others, was now utterly amazed himself. His wonder was likely rooted in the spectacle and the raw display of power, seeing it as superior "magic," rather than reverent awe of God's presence or grace.
  • beholding: (Greek: θεωρῶν, theōrōn) Present active participle of theōreō, "to look at, gaze, contemplate, observe attentively." This implies sustained and deliberate observation, not just a casual glance. Simon was carefully studying Philip's actions. This further supports the idea that his interest was more in the mechanics of power than the spiritual source or purpose.
  • miracles and signs: (Greek: δυνάμεις καὶ σημεῖα, dynameis kai sēmeia)
    • miracles (dynameis): Refers to acts of power or supernatural capabilities. Philip’s deeds displayed genuine, divine dynamis, an inherent power of God working through him.
    • signs (sēmeia): Acts that point beyond themselves to a divine origin and confirm the truth of a message. Philip's signs served as divine authentication of his preaching of Christ.
    • This phrase emphasizes the tangible, supernatural, and verifiable nature of Philip's work. Simon, whose previous power was illusory or demonic (implied by "sorcery"), now witnessed something fundamentally different and infinitely superior. This contrast explains his profound astonishment; he was outclassed.

Acts 8 13 Bonus section

• The account of Simon Magus underscores the biblical truth that discerning true faith and spiritual motives is crucial, as external acts can mimic genuine conversion without an inward transformation of the heart (1 Sam 16:7).
• Simon's story demonstrates that even impressive spiritual demonstrations, if they captivate the audience more than Christ Himself, can lead to a superficial, power-oriented following rather than authentic discipleship.
• This passage highlights the triumph of God's genuine power over deceptive human or demonic arts, affirming the supremacy of the Holy Spirit's work.

Acts 8 13 Commentary

Acts 8:13 is a pivotal verse, showing Simon Magus's outward compliance with the Gospel. His "belief" and subsequent baptism were outwardly indistinguishable from those of genuinely converted Samaritans. However, the unique intensity of his wonder at Philip's miracles suggests a focus on the power itself rather than the God behind it. Simon, previously the purveyor of deceptive wonders, was now genuinely awestruck by true divine power. This amazement seems rooted in professional jealousy or covetousness for this superior ability, viewing Christianity's gifts as the ultimate form of spiritual magic. This verse provides a stark warning: outward conformity, even engaging in rituals like baptism, does not guarantee true regeneration. Simon was drawn to the spectacular but remained spiritually unrenewed, setting the stage for his confrontation with Peter later in the chapter where his unrepentant heart would be fully revealed. It serves as a caution that motivation for associating with Christian truth and community must stem from a transformed heart, not from curiosity about supernatural abilities or a desire for personal gain or prestige.