King James Version

What Does Acts 8:13 Mean?

Acts 8:13 in the King James Version says “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracl... — study this verse from Acts chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 8:13 · KJV


Context

11

And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

12

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

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 . miracles: Gr. signs and great miracles

14

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15

Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we distinguish genuine saving faith from intellectual assent or false profession?
  2. What does Simon's case teach about the limits of outward religious actions?
  3. Why does fascination with miracles sometimes indicate an unregenerate heart?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
1 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 20

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

Σίμων3 of 20

Simon

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

καὶ4 of 20

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αὐτὸς5 of 20

himself

G846

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

ἐπίστευσεν6 of 20

believed

G4100

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

καὶ7 of 20

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βαπτισθεὶς8 of 20

when he was baptized

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

ἦν9 of 20

he continued

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

προσκαρτερῶν10 of 20
G4342

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

τῷ11 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Φιλίππῳ12 of 20

with Philip

G5376

fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites

θεωρῶν13 of 20

beholding

G2334

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

τε14 of 20

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

σημεῖα15 of 20

signs

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

καὶ16 of 20

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δυνάμεις17 of 20

the miracles

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

μεγάλας18 of 20
G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

γινομένας19 of 20

which were done

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐξίστατο20 of 20

wondered

G1839

to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 8:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 8:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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