Acts 8:12-13

8:12 But when they believed Philip as he was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God 1  and the name of Jesus Christ, 2  they began to be baptized, 3  both men and women. 8:13 Even Simon himself believed, and after he was baptized, he stayed close to 4  Philip constantly, and when he saw the signs and great miracles that were occurring, he was amazed. 5 

1 sn The kingdom of God is also what Jesus preached: Acts 1:3. The term reappears in 14:22; 19:8; 28:23, 31.

2 tn Or “Messiah”; both “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean “one who has been anointed.”

3 tn The imperfect verb ἐβαπτίζοντο (ebaptizonto) has been translated as an ingressive imperfect.

4 tn Or “he kept close company with.”

5 sn He was amazed. Now Simon, the one who amazed others, is himself amazed, showing the superiority of Philip’s connection to God. Christ is better than anything the culture has to offer.