3
But Saul tried to destroy the church; going from house to house, he dragged out the believers, both men and women, and threw them into jail.
1
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The believers who were scattered went everywhere, preaching the message.
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Philip went to the principal city in Samaria and preached the Messiah to the people there.
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The crowds paid close attention to what Philip said, as they listened to him and saw the miracles that he performed.
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Evil spirits came out from many people with a loud cry, and many paralyzed and lame people were healed.
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So there was great joy in that city.
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A man named Simon lived there, who for some time had astounded the Samaritans with his magic. He claimed that he was someone great,
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and everyone in the city, from all classes of society, paid close attention to him. "He is that power of God known as "The Great Power,' " they said.
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They paid this attention to him because for such a long time he had astonished them with his magic.
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But when they believed Philip's message about the good news of the Kingdom of God and about Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
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Simon himself also believed; and after being baptized, he stayed close to Philip and was astounded when he saw the great wonders and miracles that were being performed.