When Belief Is Not Yet Surrender
“Even Simon believed, and after he was baptized
he became devoted to Philip.
He was amazed to see the signs
and great miracles that were happening.”
Acts 8:13
Simon’s belief was real—but it was not yet deep. He was captivated by power, not transformed by grace. He believed in the wonders but had not yet entrusted himself to the Wonder-Worker. His baptism and outward devotion to Philip looked like discipleship, but his amazement was rooted in signs and miracles, not in repentance and surrender.
This verse reminds us that faith can begin with fascination, but it must grow into transformation. As James warns, “Even the demons believe—and shudder” (James 2:19, ESV). Mere intellectual assent or admiration for the supernatural is not enough.
Simon’s story echoes the parable of the sower. Jesus speaks of seeds sown on rocky ground: “These are the ones who hear the word and immediately receive it with joy. But they have no root… and fall away” (Mark 4:16–17). Simon “devoted” himself to Philip, but not to Jesus. His awe was emotional but not spiritual.
Eugene Peterson comments, “It is possible to be thrilled with religion and never be changed by Christ.” True belief does more than admire miracles—it bows before the cross. G. Campbell Morgan adds, “Faith is not faith until it leads to obedience. The heart must follow where the mind assents.”
Even Simon believed—but what mattered most was what he did with that belief. It’s not enough to be amazed at God’s works—we must be humbled by His grace, confess our need, and follow Him with our whole heart.
Prayer:
Lord, let my faith be more than fascination. Root it deep in truth, in repentance, and in love for You—not just Your works. May my belief lead to obedience and my amazement to adoration. Amen.
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