WeekLy BooK oF Acts 8 1-24

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 a paraphrased study

       ~~ 8:1-24 ~~

1 - And Saul (later called Paul who wrote the majority of the New Testament letters, about insights given him by the Lord) approved of his execution. (And do we think the Father does not forgive and pardon? Coupled with “your faith has made you well”.)

     And there arose on that very day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made a great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, and dragging off men and women and committing them to prison. (Thought police.) 4 But those who were scattered went around spreading the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and told them about Jesus. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what he was saying, especially when they saw the signs he was doing. 7 For unclean spirits, shrieking in a loud voice, came out of many. And many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city!

     9 But there was a man named Simon, who was a practitioner of magic who had amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great”. 11 And they listened to him because it had been a long time that he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, many men and women were baptized. 13 Even Simon himself believed. And after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and miracles performed, he was amazed.

     14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 which had not yet fallen upon any of them, they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit(/Presence of God). 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said, “May your silver perish with you! To think you you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right with God. (You cannot be part of this kingdom of God movement, if your heart is not right.) 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that it indeed be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

 🗝️ [  ] - word/language insights, facts, cross references, etc.

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