Nevertheless, many did believe in him even among the rulers, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, so that they would not be banned from the synagogue.
Even Simon himself believed. And after he was baptised, he followed Philip everywhere and was amazed as he observed the signs and great miracles that were being performed.
Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, because he doesn’t keep the Sabbath.’ But others were saying, ‘How can a sinful man perform such signs? ’ And there was a division among them.
This man came to him at night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.’
And the seed on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy. Having no root, these believe for a while and fall away in a time of testing.