1 Saul had pleasure in his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the congregation which was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Jewry and Samaria, except the apostles.
2 Then devout men dressed Stephen, and made great lamentation over him.
3 But Saul made havoc of the congregation, entering into every house: and drew out both man and woman, and thrust them into prison.
4 Howbeit, they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.
5 Then came Philip into a city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
6 And the people gave heed unto those things which Philip spake with one accord, in that they heard and saw the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed of them. And many taken with palsies, and many that halted, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.
9 And there was a certain man called Simon, which beforetime in the same city, used witchcraft and bewitched the people of Samaria, saying that he was a man that could do great things.
10 Whom they regarded, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This fellow is the great power of God."
11 And him they set much by, because of long time with sorcery he had mocked their wits.
12 But as soon as they believed Philip's preaching of the kingdom of God and of the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised: both men and women.
13 Then Simon himself believed also, and was baptised. And continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were showed.
14 When the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard say that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 which, when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the holy ghost.
16 For as yet he was come on none of them: But they were baptised only in the name of Christ Jesus.
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the holy ghost.
18 When Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands on them, the holy ghost was given: he offered them money, saying,
19 "Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I put the hands, he may receive the holy ghost."
20 Then said Peter unto him, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou wenest that the gift of God may be obtained with money.
21 Thou hast neither part nor fellowship in this business. For thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent, therefore, of this thy wickedness, and pray God that the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
23 For I perceive that thou art full of bitter gall, and wrapped in iniquity."
24 Then answered Simon, and said, "Pray ye to the Lord for me that none of these things which ye have spoken fall on me."
25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned toward Jerusalem and preached the gospel in many cities of the Samaritans.
26 Then the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, "Arise and go towards midday unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is in the desert."
27 And he arose and went on, and behold, a man of Ethiopia which was a chamberlain and of great authority with Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, and had the rule of all her treasure, came to Jerusalem for to pray.
28 And as he returned home again, sitting in his chariot, he read Isaiah the prophet.
30 And Philip ran to him, and heard him read Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Understandest thou what thou readest?"
31 And he said, "How can I, except I had a guide?" And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
32 The tenor of the scripture which he read was this, "He was led as a sheep to be slain: And like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth.
33 Because of his humbleness, he was not esteemed. Who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth."
34 The chamberlain answered Philip, and said, "I pray thee of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself? Or of some other man?"
35 And Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water, and the chamberlain said, "See: here is water, what shall let me to be baptised?"
37 Philip said unto him, "If thou believe with all thine heart, thou mayest." He answered, and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God."
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still. And they went down both into the water: both Philip and also the chamberlain. And he baptised him.
39 And as soon as they were come out of the water, the spirit of the Lord caught away Philip; that the chamberlain saw him no more. And he went on his way rejoicing:
40 but Philip was found at Azotus. And he walked throughout the country preaching in their cities, till he came to Caesarea.