Note 2 at Acts 8:12: These people had, "of a long time" seen supernatural manifestations of Satan's power through Simon. If Philip had only of spoken to them the gospel without demonstrating it through miracles, it is probable that he would not have gotten as favorable a response (see note 3 at v. 6, p. 614).

Note 3 at Acts 8:12: This is speaking of water baptism, as can be seen by the fact that these same people later received the baptism of the Holy Ghost when the apostles from Jerusalem came and prayed for them (v. 17).