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."
11
They paid attention to Simon because he had amazed them for a long time with his practice of magic.
12
However, when Philip spread the Good News about the kingdom of God and the one named Jesus Christ, men and women believed him and were baptized.
13
Even Simon believed, and after he was baptized, he became devoted to Philip. Simon was amazed to see the miracles and impressive things that were happening.
14
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the Samaritans had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
15
Peter and John went to Samaria and prayed that the Samaritans would receive the Holy Spirit.
16
(Before this the Holy Spirit had not come to any of the Samaritans. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17
Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and the Samaritans received the Holy Spirit.