Acts 8:13 Meaning: Simon Believed and Was Baptized. But Did He?
Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
And Simon also himself believed: and being baptized, he continued with Philip; and beholding signs and great miracles wrought, he was amazed.
and Simon also himself did believe, and, having been baptized, he was continuing with Philip, beholding also signs and mighty acts being done, he was amazed.
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.
Meaning in one sentence
What does Acts 8:13 mean? Luke says Simon believed and was baptized, but later his heart was not right.
Context
Philip had come to Samaria preaching good news about Jesus. The people listened eagerly, and many believed and were baptized. But there was a man named Simon, a sorcerer who had amazed the city with his tricks. People called him 'the great power of God.' When Philip performed real miracles: healings and deliverances, Simon was drawn in. He believed, was baptized, and stuck close to Philip, amazed by what he saw. This verse is the hinge: it records Simon's outward conversion, but the rest of the chapter will show whether it went deeper.
Key Words
Two Greek words in this verse hold the key. The first is episteusen, from pisteuo: 'he believed.' This word can mean intellectual agreement, not necessarily trust that changes a life. Simon was convinced that Philip's power was real. The second word, proskarterōn, describes how Simon 'continued steadfastly' with Philip. It means to be devoted, to cling to someone. On the surface, Simon looked like any other disciple. But the third word, existato, is the same one used earlier for how Simon 'amazed' the crowds with his magic. Now he is the one amazed by Philip's miracles. Luke lets us see that Simon's faith was rooted in wonder at the spectacular, not yet in surrender to the Lord.
How Christians Read This Verse
Most Christians throughout history have read this verse with caution. Reformers like Calvin argued that Simon had a kind of faith, but not saving faith, because his heart was not changed. Wesley and Clarke, in the Methodist tradition, agreed that Simon was convinced of the truth intellectually. Baptist expositor John Gill called it a historical and temporary faith. He believed Jesus was the Messiah but later showed his true colors. Anglican commentators note the contrast: the Samaritans believed the good news, while Simon was simply astonished at the miracles. Across traditions, the consensus is that not every belief recorded in Scripture is saving faith. The heart must be examined over time.
A common misunderstanding
A common mistake is to read 'Simon himself also believed' and assume he was genuinely saved. After all, he believed and was baptized. But the rest of the story shows Simon trying to buy the Holy Spirit with money. Peter tells him his heart is not right before God. In fact, the word for 'believed' here can mean simple intellectual agreement, not the trusting surrender that saves. Simon was convinced Philip's power was real, but his heart remained unchanged. Baptism followed his profession, but it was the beginning of a test, not the end.
Living This Out
This verse invites you to ask yourself why you follow Jesus. Maybe it is because of the exciting things he does in your life: answers to prayer, good feelings, a sense of wonder. Or maybe it is because he is Lord, even when the signs stop. This week, when you feel your faith resting on how God performs, or when you find yourself comparing your spiritual experiences to others', take a quiet moment to ask God to search your heart. Simon wanted the power; the true disciples wanted the Person. You can be honest with God about what you are really after.
Main takeaway: It is possible to be impressed by Jesus without having surrendered your heart to him.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Simon saw sick people get well and bad spirits go away when Philip prayed. It was like a magic show, only real. Simon wanted to see more of that. But Jesus does not want us to follow Him just because He does cool things. He wants us to love Him and be His friend.
For ages 9, 12
Simon believed in Jesus and got baptized, just like everyone else. But later he tried to buy God's power with money. That showed his heart was not really following Jesus. He wanted the power for himself, not to serve others. You can do all the right things on the outside, like going to church or praying, but God cares most about what is inside your heart. He wants you to love Him honestly, not just look good.
Questions People Ask
Was Simon's faith in Acts 8:13 genuine?
Most commentators agree that Simon's belief was intellectual assent, not saving faith. He was convinced by the miracles but his heart was not transformed. Later, he offered money for the Holy Spirit, showing his priorities were still selfish. Peter told him his heart was not right with God.
What does the word 'believed' mean in Acts 8:13?
The Greek word is episteusen from pisteuo. It means 'to think something is true' or 'be persuaded.' It does not always mean saving trust. In the New Testament, even demons believe God exists. Simon's belief was the kind that agrees facts are true without surrendering your life.
Why did Simon want to buy the Holy Spirit?
Simon made his living as a magician and wondered how Philip performed real miracles. He saw that when Peter and John laid hands on people, they received the Holy Spirit. He thought this power could be bought and used for his own gain. This revealed that his faith was about power and profit, not about submitting to Jesus.
Should Philip not have baptized Simon?
Philip baptized Simon because he professed faith. We do not know hearts. The same happens today. Baptism is an outward sign, not a guarantee of inward change. Simon's later actions revealed his true condition.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study