Acts 8:13

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Ver. 13. Simon himself believed ] As the devils also believe, with a historical faith, a mere flash, which therefore soon came to nothing.

And when he was baptized ] Pity that that fair water was spilt upon so foul a face. But circumcision avails nothing without faith that works by love. Unregenerate Israel is to God as Ethiopia, Amos 9:7 . Baptism to such is not God’s mark, but the devil’s brand.