1
Saul approved of putting Stephen to death. On that day widespread persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem. Most believers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
2
Devout men buried Stephen as they mourned loudly for him.
3
Saul tried to destroy the church. He dragged men and women out of one home after another and threw them into prison.
4
The believers who were scattered went from place to place, where they spread the word.
5
Philip went to the city of Samaria and told people about the Messiah.
6
The crowds paid close attention to what Philip said. They listened to him and saw the miracles that he performed.
7
Evil spirits screamed as they came out of the many people they had possessed. Many paralyzed and lame people were cured.
8
As a result, that city was extremely happy.
9
A man named Simon lived in that city. He amazed the people of Samaria with his practice of magic. He claimed that he was great.
10
Everyone from children to adults paid attention to him. They said, "This man is the power of God, and that power is called great."