1
And Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria.
2
Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him.
3
But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.
4
Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word.
5
Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them.
6
The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did,
7
for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured.
8
So there was great joy in that city.
9
Now a certain man named Simon had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he was someone great.