CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 8:11 They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/8-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/44_Act_08_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 8:11 - Simon the Sorcerer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/8-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/8-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/8-10.htm" title="Acts 8:10">◄</a> Acts 8:11 <a href="/acts/8-12.htm" title="Acts 8:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Now they were giving heed to him because for a long time he had amazed them with the magic arts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And they were paying attention to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic arts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astounded them with his magic arts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They were paying attention to him because for a long time he had mystified <i>and</i> dazzled them with his magic.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They were attentive to him because he had amazed them with his sorceries for a long time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They were attentive to him because he had astounded them with his sorceries for a long time. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they gave heed to him, because that of long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />For a long time, Simon had used witchcraft to amaze the people, and they kept crowding around him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they gave heed to him, because that of long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They paid attention to Simon because he had amazed them for a long time with his practice of magic.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They paid this attention to him because for such a long time he had astonished them with his magic. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They paid careful attention to him because he had thrilled them for a long time with his occult performances. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And they paid close attention to him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And to him they had regard, because that for a long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />His influence over them arose from their having been, for a long time, bewildered by his sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They listened to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they were giving heed to him, because of his having amazed them for a long time with deeds of magic.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Now they were giving heed to him because for a long time he had amazed them with the magic arts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they were giving heed to him, because of his having for a long time amazed them with deeds of magic.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they attended to him, because for a sufficient time they were astonished by magics.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they were attentive to him, because, for a long time, he had bewitched them with his magical practices. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they were attentive to him because, for a long time, he had deluded them with his magic.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They paid attention to him because he had astounded them by his magic for a long time,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And they listened eagerly to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />All of them listened to him, because for a long time he had bewitched them with his sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And they were all persuaded by him, because many times he had astonished them by his sorceries.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And they gave heed to him because he had, for a long time, astonished them with his magic arts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And they gave heed to him, because for a long time he had deceived them with his magic arts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And to him they attended, because he had of a considerable time astonished them by his magical tricks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />no wonder they were so attach'd to one, who had for a long time infatuated them with his arts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />His influence over them arose from their having been, for a long time, bewildered by his sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And they were giving heed to him, because of his having for a long time amazed them with <i>his</i> sorceries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And they were attentive to him, because he had for a considerable time astonished them by <i>his</i> magic <i>arts.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/8-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=2425" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm">Simon the Sorcerer</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/4337.htm" title="4337: proseichon (V-IIA-3P) -- From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to.">They paid close attention</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to him</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">because</a> <a href="/greek/1839.htm" title="1839: exestakenai (V-RNA) -- From ek and histemi; to put out of wits, i.e. Astound, or become astounded, insane.">he had astounded</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">for a</a> <a href="/greek/2425.htm" title="2425: hikanō (Adj-DMS) -- From hiko; competent, i.e. Ample or fit.">long</a> <a href="/greek/5550.htm" title="5550: chronō (N-DMS) -- A space of time or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay.">time</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with his</a> <a href="/greek/3095.htm" title="3095: mageiais (N-DFP) -- Magic. From mageuo; magic.">sorcery.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">12</span>But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-9.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:9-12</a></span><br />The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, / and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/13-13.htm">Revelation 13:13-14</a></span><br />And the second beast performed great signs, even causing fire from heaven to come down to earth in the presence of the people. / Because of the signs it was given to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived those who dwell on the earth, telling them to make an image to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-24.htm">Matthew 24:24</a></span><br />For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/13-22.htm">Mark 13:22</a></span><br />For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-14.htm">2 Corinthians 11:14-15</a></span><br />And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/7-11.htm">Exodus 7:11-12</a></span><br />But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. / Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/13-1.htm">Deuteronomy 13:1-3</a></span><br />If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, / and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” / you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/22-22.htm">1 Kings 22:22-23</a></span><br />And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ / So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/13-6.htm">Ezekiel 13:6-9</a></span><br />They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message. / Haven’t you seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken? / Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you have uttered vain words and seen false visions, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/14-14.htm">Jeremiah 14:14</a></span><br />“The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-16.htm">Jeremiah 23:16</a></span><br />This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-25.htm">Isaiah 44:25</a></span><br />who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/47-12.htm">Isaiah 47:12-13</a></span><br />So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! / You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you—your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1</a></span><br />Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">1 Timothy 4:1</a></span><br />Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.</p><p class="hdg">he had.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/8-19.htm">Isaiah 8:19</a></b></br> And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/44-25.htm">Isaiah 44:25</a></b></br> That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise <i>men</i> backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/47-9.htm">Isaiah 47:9-13</a></b></br> But these two <i>things</i> shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, <i>and</i> for the great abundance of thine enchantments… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Arts</a> <a href="/acts/3-11.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/acts/8-10.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/acts/2-12.htm">Bewildered</a> <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Bewitched</a> <a href="/acts/6-3.htm">Control</a> <a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/acts/5-37.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/acts/8-10.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Influence</a> <a href="/acts/7-53.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Magic</a> <a href="/luke/21-26.htm">Powers</a> <a href="/acts/6-11.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/nahum/3-4.htm">Sorceries</a> <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Time</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-12.htm">Wonder-Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/8-13.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/acts/19-19.htm">Arts</a> <a href="/acts/8-13.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/acts/10-33.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/acts/9-22.htm">Bewildered</a> <a href="/galatians/3-1.htm">Bewitched</a> <a href="/acts/21-31.htm">Control</a> <a href="/acts/9-36.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/acts/8-13.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/acts/13-40.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/acts/9-22.htm">Influence</a> <a href="/acts/8-40.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/acts/19-19.htm">Magic</a> <a href="/romans/4-19.htm">Powers</a> <a href="/acts/10-15.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/revelation/9-21.htm">Sorceries</a> <a href="/acts/8-16.htm">Time</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-12.htm">Wonder-Working</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-1.htm">By occasion of the persecution in Jerusalem, the church being planted in Samaria, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-4.htm">by Philip the deacon, who preached, did miracles, and baptized many;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-9.htm">among the rest Simon the sorcerer, a great seducer of the people;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-14.htm">Peter and John come to confirm and enlarge the church; </a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-15.htm">where, by prayer and imposition of hands giving the Holy Spirit;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-18.htm">when Simon would have bought the like power of them, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-20.htm">Peter sharply reproving his hypocrisy and covetousness, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-22.htm">and exhorting him to repentance, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-25.htm">together with John preaching the word of the Lord, return to Jerusalem;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/8-26.htm">but the angel sends Philip to teach and baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They paid close attention to him</b><br>The people of Samaria were captivated by Simon the sorcerer, indicating a deep fascination and perhaps a spiritual hunger. This attention reflects the human tendency to be drawn to the supernatural, often without discernment. In biblical context, this mirrors the Israelites' frequent attraction to pagan practices and false prophets, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/13.htm">Deuteronomy 13:1-3</a>, where God warns against following signs and wonders that lead away from Him.<p><b>because he had astounded them</b><br>Simon's ability to perform wonders left the people amazed, suggesting that his acts were beyond ordinary human capability. This astonishment can be compared to the reaction of the crowds to Jesus' miracles, as seen in <a href="/matthew/9-33.htm">Matthew 9:33</a>. However, unlike Jesus, Simon's acts were not from God, highlighting the importance of discerning the source of spiritual power.<p><b>for a long time</b><br>The duration of Simon's influence suggests a deep-rooted presence in the community, indicating that his sorcery was not a fleeting phenomenon. This long-term impact can be compared to the persistent influence of false teachings and idolatry in Israel's history, as seen in the repeated cycles of apostasy in the Book of Judges.<p><b>with his sorcery</b><br>Sorcery, or magic, was condemned in the Old Testament (<a href="/leviticus/19-31.htm">Leviticus 19:31</a>, <a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Deuteronomy 18:10-12</a>) as it often involved invoking demonic powers. Simon's practices would have been seen as an abomination to God, contrasting with the true power of the Holy Spirit demonstrated by the apostles. This highlights the spiritual battle between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/simon_the_sorcerer.htm">Simon the Sorcerer</a></b><br>A man in Samaria who practiced sorcery and amazed the people, leading them to believe he had divine power.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_samaria.htm">The People of Samaria</a></b><br>The audience who were captivated by Simon's sorcery and believed in his supposed divine power.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/philip_the_evangelist.htm">Philip the Evangelist</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Philip's presence in Samaria is crucial as he preached the gospel, leading to the conversion of many, including Simon.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a></b><br>A region in the ancient Near East where these events took place, significant for its mixed Jewish and Gentile population.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/sorcery.htm">Sorcery</a></b><br>The practice of magic, which Simon used to captivate and deceive the people of Samaria.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_spiritual_matters.htm">Discernment in Spiritual Matters</a></b><br>Believers must exercise discernment to distinguish between true works of God and deceptive practices like sorcery.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_the_gospel.htm">The Power of the Gospel</a></b><br>The gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to break the hold of deception and bring true freedom, as seen in the conversion of the Samaritans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_transformation.htm">Repentance and Transformation</a></b><br>Simon's account later in <a href="/bsb/acts/8.htm">Acts 8</a> shows the need for genuine repentance and transformation, not just superficial belief.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_deception.htm">The Danger of Deception</a></b><br>Sorcery and similar practices can lead people away from the truth, highlighting the importance of grounding oneself in Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_signs_and_wonders.htm">The Role of Signs and Wonders</a></b><br>While God can use signs and wonders, they must always point back to Him and align with His Word, unlike the deceptive practices of sorcery.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_philip's_move_in_acts_8_39-40_literal.htm">How can the account of Philip's sudden relocation in Acts 8:39-40 be reconciled with natural laws, and is it meant literally or symbolically?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_simon's_sorcery_in_acts_8_trickery.htm">Does Simon's alleged sorcery in Acts 8:9-24 contradict modern scientific knowledge, or might it be explained as mere trickery?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_external_proof_of_jesus'_authority.htm">Mark 11:27-33: Why is there no clear record outside the Gospels confirming Jesus' authority if it was truly divinely established?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_utopianism.htm">What is the essence of God's love for humanity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">And to him they had regard.</span>--The Greek word is the same as in the "gave heed" of the previous verse. The "long time" during which the evil fascination had been exercised, reckoning backwards from the date which we have now reached (A.D. 34), might carry us to a period prior to our Lord's visit to Sychar, in A.D. 30. It is scarcely probable, however, that it was in active operation at that time. And it is likely enough that, finding the people still influenced by the impressions which that visit had left, he wrought on their excited feelings for his own purpose.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> <span class="accented">- They gave heed to him</span> for <span class="accented">to him they had regard</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">amazed</span> for <span class="accented">bewitched</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">his sorceries</span> for <span class="accented">sorceries</span>, A.V. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/8-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">They paid close attention</span><br /><span class="grk">προσεῖχον</span> <span class="translit">(proseichon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4337.htm">Strong's 4337: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to him</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτῷ</span> <span class="translit">(autō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he had amazed</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐξεστακέναι</span> <span class="translit">(exestakenai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1839.htm">Strong's 1839: </a> </span><span class="str2">From ek and histemi; to put out of wits, i.e. Astound, or become astounded, insane.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτούς</span> <span class="translit">(autous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for a</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">long</span><br /><span class="grk">ἱκανῷ</span> <span class="translit">(hikanō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2425.htm">Strong's 2425: </a> </span><span class="str2">From hiko; competent, i.e. Ample or fit.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">time</span><br /><span class="grk">χρόνῳ</span> <span class="translit">(chronō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5550.htm">Strong's 5550: </a> </span><span class="str2">A space of time or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with [his]</span><br /><span class="grk">ταῖς</span> <span class="translit">(tais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sorcery.</span><br /><span class="grk">μαγείαις</span> <span class="translit">(mageiais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3095.htm">Strong's 3095: </a> </span><span class="str2">Magic. From mageuo; 'magic'.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/8-11.htm">Acts 8:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/8-11.htm">Acts 8:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/8-11.htm">Acts 8:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/8-11.htm">Acts 8:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/8-11.htm">Acts 8:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/8-11.htm">Acts 8:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/8-11.htm">Acts 8:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/8-11.htm">Acts 8:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/8-11.htm">Acts 8:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/8-11.htm">Acts 8:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/8-11.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 8:11 They listened to him because (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/8-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 8:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 8:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/8-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 8:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 8:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>