8:9-11
Sorcery was practised by some. No doubt some were charlatans, but some may have been able to do something. For instance, when Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh, the Egyptian magicians were able to replicate some of the plagues. But they were not able to do all of them. So it seems that Simon definitely had some powers, and people paid him respect because of this. There is also a key difference between Simon and Philip (and, indeed, the apostles). Simon claimed greatness for himself. Philip claimed greatness for Jesus Christ.
8:12,13
The people may have “followed” Simon while he was the only show in town, but when Philip proclaimed the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus they turned to him and were baptised. “Both men and women” stresses that the gospel was reaching all parts of the community. When the true gospel is presented in all its glory some people will respond and turn to it. Simon himself was one of those who believed and was baptised. However, later events may lead one to question the genuineness of his “conversion”. He followed Philip everywhere, attracted by the miracles. Simon most probably had wrong motives.
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