Acts 8:13

13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip everywhere. He was amazed by the great signs and miracles he saw.

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 He had amazed them for a long time with his magic. So they followed him.

12 But Philip preached the good news of God's kingdom. He preached the name of Jesus Christ. So men and women believed and were baptized.

13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip everywhere. He was amazed by the great signs and miracles he saw.

14 The apostles in Jerusalem heard that people in Samaria had accepted God's word. So they sent Peter and John to them.

15 When they arrived there, they prayed that the believers would receive the Holy Spirit.