Acts 8:11

11 He had been around a long time and everyone was more or less in awe of him.

Acts 8:11 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 8:11

To him they had regard
Which is repeated from the foregoing verse, for the sake of what follows:

because that of a long time he had bewitched them with sorceries;
or because he had, it may be for many years, astonished them with his magic arts, and the pranks he played in the use of them.

Acts 8:11 In-Context

9 Previous to Philip's arrival, a certain Simon had practiced magic in the city, posing as a famous man and dazzling all the Samaritans with his wizardry.

10 He had them all, from little children to old men, eating out of his hand. They all thought he had supernatural powers, and called him "the Great Wizard."

11 He had been around a long time and everyone was more or less in awe of him.

12 But when Philip came to town announcing the news of God's kingdom and proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ, they forgot Simon and were baptized, becoming believers right and left!

13 Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. From that moment he was like Philip's shadow, so fascinated with all the God-signs and miracles that he wouldn't leave Philip's side.