Saul the Persecutor

1 Saul agreed with putting him to death.

On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria.(A)
2 Devout men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. 3 Saul,(B) however, was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison.(C)

Philip in Samaria

4 So those who were scattered went on their way preaching the message of good news. 5 Philip went down to a(a) city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them.(D) 6 The crowds paid attention with one mind to what Philip said, as they heard and saw the signs he was performing. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.(E) 8 So there was great joy in that city.

The Response of Simon

9 A man named Simon had previously practiced sorcery in that city and astounded the Samaritan people, while claiming to be somebody great.(F)

Footnotes:

a. Acts 8:5: Other mss read the

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