“Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.”
Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip closely, amazed by the great signs and wonders he saw - Simon converts, receives baptism, and becomes a follower of Philip. Yet Luke's description of Simon's motivation ('amazed by the great signs and wonders') suggests that Simon's faith is rooted in wonder at the miraculous, not in true conversion. He is attracted to power, and Philip's power impresses him. The seed of his fall is already sown.
Church Fathers on Acts 8:13
Giving out, it says, that he was himself some great one. To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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