Saul Attempts to Destroy the Church
1 And Saul was agreeing with his murder. Now there happened on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
2
And devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him.
3
But Saul was attempting to destroy the church. Entering {house after house}, he dragged off both men and women [and] delivered [them] to prison.
Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria
4 Now those who had been scattered went about proclaiming the good news [of] the word.
5
And Philip came down to the city of Samaria [and] began proclaiming the Christ to them.
6
And the crowds with one mind were paying attention to what was being said by Philip, [as] they heard [him] and saw the signs that he was performing.
7
For many of those who had unclean spirits, they were coming out [of them], crying out with a loud voice, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.
8
And there was great joy in that city.
Simon the Magician
9 Now a certain man {named} Simon had been in the city practicing magic and astonishing the people of Samaria, saying he was someone great.
10
They were all paying attention to {him}, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called 'Great.'"