Acts 8:13

13 And Simon also himself believed; and, having been baptised, continued constantly with Philip; and, beholding the signs and great works of power which took place, was astonished.

Acts 8:13 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 8:13

Then Simon himself believed also
With an historical and temporary faith, as that Jesus was the Messiah or at least he pretended, to believe this, and professed that he did believe, what others did, and Philip preached:

and when he was baptized;
upon profession of his faith, which he so artfully made, that Philip could not discover his hypocrisy: but taking him to be a sincere believer, admitted him to baptism: after which,

he continued with Philip;
kept close to him, and got into a familiar acquaintance with him; and constantly attended on his ministry, as if he had been a sincere disciple and follower of Christ:

and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done;
he was as much amazed at the miraculous performances of Philip, as the inhabitants of Samaria had been at his, which he could observe were real things; and this increased his wonder, and threw him into an ecstasy, that he was scarce himself: whereas he knew that what he did were only sham performances, and legerdemain tricks.

Acts 8:13 In-Context

11 And they gave heed to him, because that for a long time he had astonished them by his magic arts.

12 But when they believed Philip announcing the glad tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women.

13 And Simon also himself believed; and, having been baptised, continued constantly with Philip; and, beholding the signs and great works of power which took place, was astonished.

14 And the apostles who were in Jerusalem, having heard that Samaria had received the word of God, sent to them Peter and John;

15 who, having come down, prayed for them that they might receive [the] Holy Spirit;