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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς
himself
G846
αὐτὸς
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐπίστευσεν
believed
G4100
ἐπίστευσεν
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
6 of 20
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
βαπτισθεὶς
when he was baptized
G907
βαπτισθεὶς
when he was baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
8 of 20
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
προσκαρτερῶν
G4342
προσκαρτερῶν
Strong's:
G4342
Word #:
10 of 20
to be earnest towards, i.e., (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a pers
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φιλίππῳ
with Philip
G5376
Φιλίππῳ
with Philip
Strong's:
G5376
Word #:
12 of 20
fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites
θεωρῶν
beholding
G2334
θεωρῶν
beholding
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
13 of 20
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
σημεῖα
signs
G4592
σημεῖα
signs
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
15 of 20
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δυνάμεις
the miracles
G1411
δυνάμεις
the miracles
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
17 of 20
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
μεγάλας
G3173
μεγάλας
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
18 of 20
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
Historical Context
Simon's case became a cautionary example in church history about false profession. The term 'simony' (buying church office) derives from Simon's later attempt to purchase apostolic power, indicating his mercenary heart.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish genuine saving faith from intellectual assent or false profession?
- What does Simon's case teach about the limits of outward religious actions?
- Why does fascination with miracles sometimes indicate an unregenerate heart?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Simon 'believed also' and was baptized - but verses 18-23 would reveal his heart remained unchanged. This raises the distinction between genuine saving faith and intellectual assent. Simon's continued amazement at miracles suggests attraction to power rather than submission to Christ as Lord. Reformed theology distinguishes between temporary faith (James 2:19) and true saving faith that perseveres. Simon's profession was outward only, as Peter later discerns his heart remains 'in the gall of bitterness' (v.23). Not all who profess and are baptized possess genuine faith.