Book of the Acts of the First Believers
1 - And (Pharisee) Saul approved of his (Stephen’s) execution. And on that very day, a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem {and crested} and the believers were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.
2 Devout men buried Stephen and great lamentation was shared over him. 3 Meanwhile Saul was ravaging the church, entering house after house, he dragged men and women off to prison.
4 But those who were scattered went about preaching the message. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Messiah/Christ. 6 And the crowds as one were listening to what Philip was saying. They heard him because they saw the signs he did. 7 They saw unclean spirits, crying out with loud voices, come 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 there, named Simon, who was a practitioner of magic, and who had astonished the people, proclaiming himself as someone great. 10 They all, least to greatest, paid attention to him, saying, “This man is the power of God who is called Great.” 11 And they listened to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when the city believed Philip as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he too continued with Philip. And he saw the signs and the great miracles being performed, and he was amazed.
14 When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John. 15 So they came down and they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit(/Presence of God), 16 for he had not yet fallen upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 So they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered money, 19 saying, “Give me this power! So anyone on whom I also lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your silver will ruin and cause you loss, because you thought you could buy the gift of God! 21 You’ve neither partnership or lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray earnestly to the Lord that this intention of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you’re in a ruinous bitterness, and in the captivity of an unjust way.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord! That nothing you have said may come upon me.”
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🗝️ [ ] - word/language insights, cross references, etc.
{ } - thots
Next: 8:25-40
From my own studies. Paraphrased to post.
