1
Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
2
And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
3
As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
4
Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
5
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
6
And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7
For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.
8
And there was great joy in that city.
9
But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great,
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to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God."
11
And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.
12
But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
13
Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
14
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
15
who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.