1 Saul agreed to his death. There was at that time a great persecution against the congregation at Jerusalem. All but the apostles were scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.

2 Devout men buried Stephen and mourned him greatly.

3 Saul ravaged the congregation. He entered every house and dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

4 They who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.

5 Then Philip went to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ to them.

6 The people with one accord gave heed to those things Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles he did.

7 Unclean spirits, crying with loud voices, came out of many who were possessed by them. Many who were taken with palsies and the lame were healed.

8 There was great joy in that city.

9 A certain man called Simon was in the same city. He used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, telling everyone that he was great.

10 They all listened to him, from the least to the greatest, saying: This man has great power from God.

11 They followed him because for a long time he astonished them with sorceries.

12 When they believed what Philip preached about the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 Simon also believed. When he was baptized he continued with Philip, amazed by the miracles and signs he saw.

14 When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.

15 Peter and John prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

16 They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus but had not yet received the Spirit.

17 So they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

18 When Simon saw the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money.

19 Simon said: »Give me this power that on whomever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.«

20 Peter said to him: »Your money will perish with you, because you think that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21 »You have no part or share in this matter for your heart is not right in the sight of God.

22 »Repent of this wickedness, and pray to God, that the thought in your heart may be forgiven you.

23 »For I perceive that you are full of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.«

24 Simon answered: »Pray to God for me, that none of these things that you have spoken will happen to me.«

25 When they had testified and preached the word of Jehovah they returned to Jerusalem, and preached the good news in many villages of the Samaritans.

26 God’s angel said to Philip: »Arise, and go toward the south the way that goes from Jerusalem unto Gaza through the desert.«

27 He went and an Ethiopian eunuch government official, a man of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem to worship.

28 He was returning and sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet.

29 The Spirit said to Philip: »Go near, and climb on this chariot.«

30 Philip ran to him, heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said: »Do you understand what you are reading?«

31 »How can I«, the eunuch said: »unless someone explains it to me?« He invited Philip to come and sit with him.

32 The Scripture he read was this: »He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer so he did not open his mouth.

33 »In his humiliation his judgment was taken away. Who will declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.«

34 The eunuch asked Philip: »Please tell me of whom is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?«

35 Then Philip began at the same Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

36 On their way, they came to a body of water and the eunuch said, »See, here is water. What prevents me from getting baptized?«

37 Philip said: »If you believe with all your heart, you may.« He answered: »I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.«

38 He commanded the chariot to stop. They both went into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

39 After they came out of the water God’s Spirit took Philip away. The eunuch did not see him again. He continued his journey rejoicing.

40 Philip was seen passing through Azotus. He preached in all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.