When the good news of the many conversions from Samaria arrived in Jerusalem, Peter and John were sent there so the new Christians would receive the the Holy Spirit through the laying on of the apostle’s hands (Acts 8:14-18). Apparently, Philip saw observable evidence of Simon’s repentance and faith in Jesus. Also, Simon’s faith, like the others, enabled him to be water baptized as a Christian. The Greek word for believed in verse 12 is exactly the same as in verse 13, which Simon had. Simon the sorcerer believed too, that is, he came to salvation from Philip’s preaching! His faith was the same kind of faith the others had who also accepted the word of God (Acts 8:14).
And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. While it is true that Simon was a sorcerer when Philip first arrived in Samaria, it is also true that he came to a saving faith just like many others in that city did through the preaching of Philip! Though that truth about his initial salvation is rejected by many in our day, it is still clearly stated:īut when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon the sorcerer (or Simon Magus) is the typical label placed on Simon from Samaria, who came to saving faith during the ministry of Phillip, the evangelist.
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