Acts 7:59-8:8
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
59 While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”(A) 60 Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.[a](B) 8 1
Saul Persecutes the Church
That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria.(C) 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him.(D) 3 But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.(E)
Philip Preaches in Samaria
4 Now those who were scattered went from place to place proclaiming the word.(F) 5 Philip went down to the city[b] of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah[c] to them.(G) 6 The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, 7 for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed, and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured.(H) 8 So there was great joy in that city.
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.