Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

Samaria, the spirit and Simon Magus

⁴ Those who were scattered went all over the place announcing the word. ⁵ Philip went off to a town in Samaria and announced the Messiah to them. ⁶ The crowds, acting as one, clung to what Philip was saying, as they heard him and saw the signs he performed. ⁷ For unclean spirits came out of many of them, and several who were paralyzed or lame were cured. ⁸ So there was great joy in that town.

⁹ But there was a man named Simon, who had lived in the town for some while and who practiced magic. He used to astonish the Samaritan people, giving out that he was some great personage. ¹⁰ Everyone, small and great alike, paid attention to him, and said, “This man is the one called ‘God’s Great Power’!” ¹¹ They had been under his spell for some time, since they were amazed at the magic he could perform. ¹² But when they believed Philip as he was announcing to them the message about God’s kingdom and the Name of Jesus the Messiah, they were baptized, men and women alike. ¹³ Simon too believed and was baptized, paying close attention to Philip. When he saw signs, and great and powerful deeds, it was his turn to be astonished.