Acts 8:13

“Then Simon himself believed also, etc.] With an historical and temporary faith, as that Jesus was the Messiah, etc. 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…”

“Then Simon himself believed also--Left without followers, he thinks it best to join the man who had fairly outstripped him, not without a touch of real conviction. and . . . was baptized--What a light does this throw on what is called Baptismal Regeneration! he continued with Philip--"was in constant attendance upon" him.”

“Then Simon himself believed also - That is, he believed that Jesus had performed miracles, and was raised from the dead, etc. All this he could believe in entire consistency with his own notions of the power of magic; and all that the connection requires us to suppose is that he believed this Jesus had the power of working miracles; and as he purposed to turn this to his own account, he was willing to profess himself to be his follower. It might have injured his popularity, moreover, if he had taken a stand in opposition when so many were professing to become Christians. People often profess religion because, if they do not, they fear that they will lose their influence, and be left with the…”

“And Simon believed - That is, was convinced of the truth. Acts 8:14”

“Simon: This Simon was probably, as several learned men suppose, the same who is mentioned by Josephus, as persuading Drusilla to leave her husband, and live with Felix. believed: Act 8:21; Psa 78:35-37, Psa 106:12, Psa 106:13; Luk 8:13; Joh 2:23-25, Joh 8:30, Joh 8:31; Jam 2:19-26 and wondered: Act 3:10, Act 13:44; Hab 1:5; Joh 5:20, Joh 7:21 miracles and signs: Gr. signs and great miracles, Act 8:7; Mar 16:17 Acts 8:14”