Book of Common Prayer

Saul persecutes the Christians. The apostles are scattered abroad. Philip comes into Samaria. Simon Magus is baptized; he dissembles. Philip baptizes the chamberlain.

8 Saul had pleasure in Stephen’s death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the congregation that was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

² Then devout men arranged Stephen’s burial, and made great lamentation over him. ³ But Saul made havoc of the congregation, and entered into every house, and drew out both men and women, and thrust them into prison.

⁴ However, those who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word. ⁵ Then Philip went into a city of Samaria, and preached Christ to them. ⁶ And the people gave heed to the things that Philip spoke with one accord, when they heard and saw the miracles that he did. ⁷ For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many who were possessed by them. And many who were paralyzed, and many who limped, were healed. ⁸ And there was great joy in that city.

⁹ And there was a certain man called Simon, who had previously practiced witchcraft and magic in that same city, and had bewitched the people of Samaria, saying that he was a man who could do great things. ¹⁰ They regarded him highly, from the least to the greatest, saying, This fellow is the great power of God! ¹¹ And they set much store by him, because for a long time he had taken them in with magic.

¹² But as soon as they believed Philip’s preaching of the kingdom of God and of the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. ¹³ Then Simon himself believed also, and was baptized, and continued with Philip; and he marvelled, seeing the miracles and signs that were shown.

⁶³ And the men that stood about Jesus mocked him and beat him, ⁶⁴ and blindfolded him, and struck his face. And they asked him, saying, Prophesy! Who it is that hit you? ⁶⁵ And they said many other things despitefully against him.

⁶⁶ And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the high priests and scribes came together, and they led him into their council, saying, ⁶⁷ Are you the very Christ? Tell us.

And he said to them, If I tell you, you will not believe. ⁶⁸ And also if I ask you, you will not answer me or let me go. ⁶⁹ Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

⁷⁰ Then they all said, Are you then the Son of God?

He said to them, As you say, I am.

⁷¹ Then they said, Why do we need any further testimony? We ourselves have heard from his own mouth.