Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Parallel translations
- WEB Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.
- BSB Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip closely and was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed.
- 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.
- NASB 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.
- 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.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Simon himself professed belief, was baptized, and followed Philip, amazed at the miracles. His profession appears genuine outwardly, yet his heart will soon prove unchanged.
Overview
Simon believed and was baptized, attaching himself to Philip and marveling at the signs. Christians have long debated whether his faith was true but immature or merely outward and false, for his later conduct (verses 18-23) raises serious doubts. The account warns that a profession of faith and even baptism do not guarantee a heart right with God.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 15
- Acts 8:6–7And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
- John 5:20For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
- Acts 19:11And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
- John 8:30–31As he spake these words, many believed on him.
- Mark 16:17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
- John 2:23–25Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
- Luke 8:13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
- Acts 13:44And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
- John 7:21Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.
- Ps 106:12–13Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.
- Jas 2:19–26Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
- Hab 1:5Behold 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.
- Acts 3:10And 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.
- Ps 78:35–37And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.
- Acts 8:21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
How Acts 8:13 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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