Bible Strands
Acts 8:13
Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip closely and was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records Simon’s reaction in Samaria immediately after the local crowds believed Philip’s message and were baptized, positioned between the Samaritan conversion report and the Jerusalem apostles’ decision to send Peter and John.
The words — ἐπιστεύσεν (episteusen) means he believed, and βαπτισθεὶς (baptistheis) means having been baptized, indicating Simon’s formal inclusion in the baptized group alongside the other converts.
The thread — The narrative links belief with observed miracles in Acts 8:6, where crowds pay close attention to Philip’s signs, and Acts 19:11, where God performs extraordinary miracles through Paul.
Why it lands — The text states Simon believed, underwent baptism, and followed Philip closely while noting the great signs he observed, requiring the reader to recognize that the narrative presents belief and submission as the baseline response to apostolic ministry accompanied by divine power.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Cross-references
- John 5:20 The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. And to your amazement, He will show Him even greater works than these.
- Acts 8:6 The crowds all paid close attention to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform.
- Acts 19:11 God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul,
- John 8:30 As Jesus spoke these things, many believed in Him.
- Psalms 106:12 Then they believed His promises and sang His praise.
- Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
- Luke 8:13 The seeds on rocky ground are those who hear the word and receive it with joy, but they have no root. They believe for a season, but in the time of testing, they fall away.
- John 2:23 While He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the signs He was doing and believed in His name.
- John 7:21 Jesus answered them, “I did one miracle, and you are all amazed.
- Acts 13:44 On the following Sabbath, nearly the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.