Acts 8:13
New International Version
Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

New Living Translation
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.

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

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.

Berean Literal Bible
And Simon himself also believed, and having been baptized, was steadfastly continuing with Philip. And beholding the signs and great miracles being performed, he was amazed.

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

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
Now even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was repeatedly amazed.

NASB 1995
Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed.

NASB 1977
And even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip; and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed.

Legacy Standard Bible
Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly astounded.

Amplified Bible
Even Simon believed [Philip’s message of salvation]; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he watched the attesting signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed.

Christian Standard Bible
Even Simon himself believed. And after he was baptized, he followed Philip everywhere and was amazed as he observed the signs and great miracles that were being performed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then even Simon himself believed. And after he was baptized, he went around constantly with Philip and was astounded as he observed the signs and great miracles that were being performed.

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.

Contemporary English Version
Even Simon believed and was baptized. He stayed close to Philip, because he marveled at all the miracles and wonders.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Even Simon believed, and after he was baptized, he became devoted to Philip. Simon was amazed to see the miracles and impressive things that were happening.

Good News Translation
Simon himself also believed; and after being baptized, he stayed close to Philip and was astounded when he saw the great wonders and miracles that were being performed.

International Standard Version
Even Simon believed, and after he was baptized he became devoted to Philip. He was amazed to see the signs and great miracles that were happening.

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

NET Bible
Even Simon himself believed, and after he was baptized, he stayed close to Philip constantly, and when he saw the signs and great miracles that were occurring, he was amazed.

New Heart English Bible
Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.

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

Weymouth New Testament
Simon himself also believed, and after being baptized remained in close attendance on Philip, and was full of amazement at seeing such signs and such great miracles performed.

World English Bible
Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Simon himself also believed, and having been immersed, he was continuing with Philip, beholding also signs and mighty acts being done, he was amazed.

Berean Literal Bible
And Simon himself also believed, and having been baptized, was steadfastly continuing with Philip. And beholding the signs and great miracles being performed, he was amazed.

Young's Literal Translation
and Simon also himself did believe, and, having been baptized, he was continuing with Philip, beholding also signs and mighty acts being done, he was amazed.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Simon also himself believed: and having been immersed, he was persevering with Philip, beholding the signs and great powers having been, they were astonished.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then Simon himself believed also; and being baptized, he adhered to Philip. And being astonished, wondered to see the signs and exceeding great miracles which were done.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Simon himself also believed and, when he had been baptized, he adhered to Philip. And now, seeing also the greatest signs and miracles being wrought, he was amazed and stupefied.

New American Bible
Even Simon himself believed and, after being baptized, became devoted to Philip; and when he saw the signs and mighty deeds that were occurring, he was astounded.

New Revised Standard Version
Even Simon himself believed. After being baptized, he stayed constantly with Philip and was amazed when he saw the signs and great miracles that took place.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Semon himself also believed and was baptized and attached himself to Philip, and as he saw the miracles and great signs performed by his hand, he marvelled greatly.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Simon also believed and was baptized and was joined to Philippus, and when he saw the signs and the great miracles that were done by his hand, he marveled and was astonished.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And Simon himself also believed; and after he was immersed, he continued with Philip; and, seeing the mighty deeds and the signs which were done, he was astonished.

Godbey New Testament
But Simon himself also believed: and being baptized, was constantly with Philip, both seeing the miracles and the great dynamites performed, was astonished.

Haweis New Testament
Then Simon also himself believed: and being baptised, he attached himself to Philip, and beholding the signs and great miracles which were performed, he was astonished.

Mace New Testament
nay, Simon himself became a proselyte: and after he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and was transported at the sight of the miracles and prodigies which he perform'd.

Weymouth New Testament
Simon himself also believed, and after being baptized remained in close attendance on Philip, and was full of amazement at seeing such signs and such great miracles performed.

Worrell New Testament
And Simon also himself believed; and, having been immersed, he was adhering closely to Philip; and, beholding the signs and great miracles being done, he was amazed.

Worsley New Testament
and Simon himself also believed, and was baptized, and kept constantly with Philip: and beholding the signs and miracles that were wrought, he was amazed.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Simon the Sorcerer
12But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip closely and was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed. 14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.…

Cross References
Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

John 3:22-23
After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the Judean countryside, where He spent some time with them and baptized. / Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because the water was plentiful there, and people kept coming to be baptized.

Acts 2:41
Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day.

Acts 19:18-19
Many who had believed now came forward, confessing and disclosing their deeds. / And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books and burned them in front of everyone. When the value of the books was calculated, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.

Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’

1 Corinthians 15:1-2
Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand firm. / By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

Romans 6:3-4
Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? / We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.

Galatians 3:27
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Hebrews 6:4-6
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, / who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— / and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame.

James 2:19
You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

1 John 2:19
They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.

Exodus 7:11-12
But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. / Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs.

2 Kings 17:41
So these nations worshiped the LORD but also served their idols, and to this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.

Isaiah 29:13
Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.

Jeremiah 7:9-10
Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, / and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’?


Treasury of Scripture

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

Simon.

believed.

Acts 8:21
Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Psalm 78:35-37
And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer…

Psalm 106:12,13
Then believed they his words; they sang his praise…

and wondered.

Acts 3:10
And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Acts 13:44
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

Habakkuk 1:5
Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.

miracles and signs.

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.

Mark 16:17
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Jump to Previous
Acts Amazed Amazement Astonished Attendance Baptism Baptized Beholding Believe Believed Close Constantly Continued Continuing Everywhere Faith Followed Full Great Mighty Miracles Observed Performed Philip Power Signs Simon Surprise Wondered Wonders Works Wrought
Jump to Next
Acts Amazed Amazement Astonished Attendance Baptism Baptized Beholding Believe Believed Close Constantly Continued Continuing Everywhere Faith Followed Full Great Mighty Miracles Observed Performed Philip Power Signs Simon Surprise Wondered Wonders Works Wrought
Acts 8
1. By occasion of the persecution in Jerusalem, the church being planted in Samaria,
4. by Philip the deacon, who preached, did miracles, and baptized many;
9. among the rest Simon the sorcerer, a great seducer of the people;
14. Peter and John come to confirm and enlarge the church;
15. where, by prayer and imposition of hands giving the Holy Spirit;
18. when Simon would have bought the like power of them,
20. Peter sharply reproving his hypocrisy and covetousness,
22. and exhorting him to repentance,
25. together with John preaching the word of the Lord, return to Jerusalem;
26. but the angel sends Philip to teach and baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch.














Even Simon himself believed
The phrase "Even Simon himself believed" highlights the surprising nature of Simon's conversion. Simon, known as Simon the Sorcerer or Simon Magus, was a figure of significant influence in Samaria due to his practice of sorcery. The Greek word for "believed" is "ἐπίστευσεν" (episteusen), which implies a mental assent or acceptance of the truth of the Gospel message. This belief, however, is later shown to be superficial, as Simon's heart was not fully transformed. Historically, Simon's conversion is significant because it demonstrates the power of the Gospel to reach even those deeply entrenched in pagan practices.

and was baptized
The act of baptism here is significant as it represents an outward expression of an inward change. The Greek word "βαπτίζω" (baptizō) means to immerse or submerge, symbolizing the washing away of sins and the beginning of a new life in Christ. Baptism was a common practice in the early church, signifying one's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Simon's baptism indicates his initial acceptance into the Christian community, though his later actions reveal a lack of genuine repentance.

He followed Philip closely
The phrase "He followed Philip closely" suggests a strong attachment or devotion to Philip, the evangelist who preached the Gospel in Samaria. The Greek word "προσκαρτερέω" (proskartereō) implies a persistent and devoted following. This indicates Simon's fascination with Philip's ministry and the power of the Holy Spirit working through him. Historically, Philip's ministry in Samaria was groundbreaking, as it marked the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries, fulfilling Jesus' command to be witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

and was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed
The word "astounded" comes from the Greek "ἐξίστημι" (existēmi), meaning to be amazed or astonished. Simon's amazement at the "great signs and miracles" reflects his recognition of a power greater than his own sorcery. The "signs and miracles" performed by Philip were manifestations of the Holy Spirit's power, authenticating the message of the Gospel. In the historical context, miracles served as a divine endorsement of the apostles' teaching and were instrumental in the rapid spread of Christianity. Simon's astonishment, however, was more about the power itself than the message it confirmed, as later events reveal his desire to purchase this power for personal gain.

(13) Then Simon himself believed also.--Endless questions have been raised as to the nature of such a faith, and the effect of such a baptism. It is probable enough that he was impressed by the signs that Philip wrought; that he felt himself in the presence of a Power above his own; that he accepted Philip's statements as to the death and resurrection of the Christ. It was such a faith as that of which St. James speaks (James 2:14; James 2:19). If we are to use the definite language of theological science, it would be true to say that he had the fides informis, faith not preceded by repentance and not perfected by love. And baptism, in such a case, the expressed or implied conditions being absent, brought with it no new birth to a higher life. He remained still "in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity" (Acts 8:23). But even for him it bore its witness of the readiness of God to forgive and to regenerate. The subsequent fulfilment of the conditions which were then absent would have quickened the potential into an actual grace, and no second baptism would have been needed to supplement the shortcomings of the first. Peter calls on him (Acts 8:22) to repent and pray for forgiveness. He does not tell him that he must be baptised again.

And wondered.--The verb is the same as that rendered "bewitched" in Acts 8:9; Acts 8:11. The tables were turned. The magician yielded to a spell mightier than his own, and was, in his turn, as one beside himself with amazement. The difference between Simon and the believing Samaritans is, in this matter, suggestive. His faith rested on outward miracles. With them the miracles did but serve to confirm a faith which rested on the "prophetic word" as spoken by the Son of Man (John 4:42). . . .

Verse 13. - And for then, A.V.; also himself believed for himself believed also, A.V.; being baptized for when he was baptized, A.V.; beholding signs and great miracles wrought, he was amazed for wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Contained with (η}ν προσκαρτερῶν); see Acts 1:14; 3:46; 6:4; 10.7. St. Paul uses the word in Romans 12:12; Romans 13:6; Colossians 4:2; and the substantive formed from it (προσκαρτέρησις) once, Ephesians 6:18. Elsewhere in the New Testament it occurs only in Mark 3:9. But it is found in Hist. cf. Sus. 6. Amazed (see note on ver. 9). In Simon we have the first example of one who, having been baptized into Jesus Christ, lived to disgrace and corrupt the faith which he professed. He was an instance of the tares sown among the wheat, and of the seed which sprang up quickly being as quickly destroyed. He is an instance also of the truth of our Lord's raying, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Even
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Simon
Σίμων (Simōn)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4613: Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites.

himself
αὐτὸς (autos)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

believed
ἐπίστευσεν (episteusen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

was baptized.
βαπτισθεὶς (baptistheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 907: Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.

He followed
προσκαρτερῶν (proskarterōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4342: To persist, persevere in, continue steadfast in; I wait upon.

Philip {closely}
Φιλίππῳ (Philippō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5376: From philos and hippos; fond of horses; Philippus, the name of four Israelites.

and
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

was amazed
ἐξίστατο (existato)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1839: From ek and histemi; to put out of wits, i.e. Astound, or become astounded, insane.

[by the] great
μεγάλας (megalas)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.

signs
σημεῖα (sēmeia)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4592: Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

miracles
δυνάμεις (dynameis)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.

he observed.
θεωρῶν (theōrōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2334: From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).


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