⁹ Now in that city there was a man named Simon. He was practicing occult arts and thrilling the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great. ¹⁰ Everyone from the least to the greatest paid close attention to him, saying, “This is what we call^[a] the great power of God!” ¹¹ They paid careful attention to him because he had thrilled them for a long time with his occult performances. ¹² But when Philip proclaimed the good news about the kingdom of God and about the name of Jesus the Messiah,^[b] men and women believed and were baptized. ¹³ 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.