Saul Ravages the Church

And (A)Saul (B)approved of his execution.

And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and (C)they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But (D)Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he (E)dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria

Now (F)those who were scattered went about preaching the word. (G)Philip went down to the city[a] of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. (H)And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him (I)and saw the signs that he did. For (J)unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So (K)there was much joy in that city.

Simon the Magician Believes

But there was a man named Simon, (L)who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, (M)saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, (N)“This man is the power of God that is called (O)Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had (P)amazed them with his magic. 12 But when (Q)they believed Philip as he preached good news (R)about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, (S)they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And (T)seeing signs and (U)great miracles[b] performed, (V)he was amazed.

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 8:5 Some manuscripts a city
  2. Acts 8:13 Greek works of power

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