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.