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Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles done, he was amazed.

Verse Takeaways

1

A Faith Without Foundation

Commentators universally agree that Simon's belief was not a saving faith. He was intellectually convinced by Philip's powerful miracles and desired that power for himself, but he lacked true repentance and a desire for Jesus as Savior. As John Calvin notes, it was a temporary faith without the foundation of self-denial. This serves as a key biblical example that an outward profession of belief is not the same as genuine conversion.

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Acts

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Commentaries

10

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Acts 8:13

18th Century

Theologian

Then Simon himself believed also. That is, he believed that Jesus had performed miracles and was raised from the dead, and so on. All this…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On Acts 8:13

And Simon also himself believed (Hο δε Σιμων κα αυτος επιστευσεν). Note the same verb in the aorist tense επιστευσεν. What did he …

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Acts 8:13

19th Century

Bishop

Then Simon himself believed also.—Endless questions have been raised regarding the nature of such a faith and the effect …

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On Acts 8:12–17

19th Century

Preacher

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men an…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On Acts 8:13

Simon the sorcerer, or Simon Magus as he is called in postapostolic Christian writings, was a leading heretic in the early church. Justin Martyr (d…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On Acts 8:13

16th Century

Theologian

Simon also himself. He who had bewitched the whole city with his sorcery receives the truth together with others. He who had boasted himse…

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John Gill

John Gill

On Acts 8:13

17th Century

Pastor

Then Simon himself believed also
With an historical and temporary faith, as that Jesus was the Messiah or at least h…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Acts 8:5–13

17th Century

Minister

As far as the gospel prevails, evil spirits are dislodged, particularly unclean spirits. All inclinations to the lusts of the flesh, which war agai…