1
And Saul fully approved of his murder. At this time a great persecution broke out against the Church in Jerusalem, and all except the Apostles were scattered throughout Judaea and Samaria.
2
A party of devout men, however, buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him.
3
But Saul cruelly harassed the Church. He went into house after house, and, dragging off both men and women, threw them into prison.
4
Those, however, who were scattered abroad went from place to place spreading the Good News of God's Message;
5
while Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed Christ there.
6
Crowds of people, with one accord, gave attention to what they heard from him, listening, and witnessing the signs which he did.
7
For, with a loud cry, foul spirits came out of many possessed by them, and many paralytics and lame persons were restored to health.
8
And there was great joy in that city.
9
Now for some time past there had been a man named Simon living there, who had been practising magic and astonishing the Samaritans, pretending that he was more than human.
10
To him people of all classes paid attention, declaring, "This man is the Power of God, known as the great Power."