Acts 8:13

Then Simon himself. Rather, conveying the emphasis of the Greek, “even Simon himself.”

Believed. Doubtless he was impressed by the miracles that Philip wrought (v. 6); he felt himself to be in the presence of a Power infinitely higher than his own. But he accepted Philip’s statements as to the death and resurrection of Christ, without developing a personal faith. His was the sort of faith of which James speaks (James 2:14, 19). A similar imperfect belief is described in John 8:31 where certain Jews are described as believing on Jesus while the remainder of the chapter shows that their belief was not a saving one. Yet Simon understood enough to be baptized, although, as his later attitude showed, his baptism could have represented no new birth to a higher life. He remained still in “iniquity” (Acts 8:23). Luke draws a distinction between the belief of the Samaritans and that of Simon: the people were won by Philip’s preaching, but Simon was attracted by the wonders that he saw. Nevertheless, God did not reject this imperfect faith. He accepted it as the base on which to build a more acceptable belief. When Simon fell away, Peter called upon him (v. 22) to repent and to pray for forgiveness.

Wondered, beholding. Rather, the clause should read, “beholding signs and great miracles coming to pass, he was amazed.” The tables were now turned. The magician, who had been wondered at, yielded to a spell mightier than his own, and was in turn astonished as he beheld the power that attended the proclamation of the gospel.