The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
1 That set off a terrific persecution of the church in Jerusalem. The believers were all scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. All, that is, but the apostles.
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And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
2 Good and brave men buried Stephen, giving him a solemn funeral - not many dry eyes that day!
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Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.
3 And Saul just went wild, devastating the church, entering house after house after house, dragging men and women off to jail.
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But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.
4 Forced to leave home base, the Christians all became missionaries. Wherever they were scattered, they preached the Message about Jesus.
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Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
5 Going down to a Samaritan city, Philip proclaimed the Message of the Messiah.
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Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.
6 When the people heard what he had to say and saw the miracles, the clear signs of God's action, they hung on his every word.
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When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.
7 Many who could neither stand nor walk were healed that day. The evil spirits protested loudly as they were sent on their way.
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For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.
8 And what joy in the city!
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So there was great joy in that city.
9 Previous to Philip's arrival, a certain Simon had practiced magic in the city, posing as a famous man and dazzling all the Samaritans with his wizardry.
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Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great,
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.