Discovery BoxActs 8:12-13 
Context8:12 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.
