Saul Persecutes the Church

1and Saul was accessory to his death. At that time the persecution was so violent against the church at Jerusalem, they were all dispers'd through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles, 2and some devout men who carried Stephen to his burial, making great lamentation over him. 3as for Saul, he made havock of the Church, entring into their houses, whence he dragg'd away both men and women, to throw them into prison.

Philip in Samaria

4but they that were dispers'd, preach'd the gospel wherever they went. 5Philip being arrived at Samaria, preached Christ to them. 6the people attended with great unanimity, hearing his discourses, and observing the miracles he wrought. 7for the impure spirits, with great outcries, came out of many that were possessed: many paralytic, and lame people were cured. 8which caused great joy in that city.

Simon the Sorcerer

9One Simon was then resident in that place, who pretended to be something extra-ordinary, and by his magical practices had so enchanted the people of Samaria, 10that they all followed him, both old and young, this man, said they, is the plenipotentiary of God. 11no wonder they were so attach'd to one, who had for a long time infatuated them with his arts. 12but when they had embraced the doctrine of Philip, concerning the kingdom of the Messias, and the authority of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13nay, Simon himself became a proselyte: and after he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and was transported at the sight of the miracles and prodigies which he perform'd.

14Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem, heard that the Samaritans had embraced the word of God, they sent Peter and John, 15who upon their arrival, prayed for them that they might receive the holy spirit. 16(for as yet he had not descended on any of them: they having only been baptized in the name of the Lord 17Jesus) the apostles therefore gave them imposition of hands, and they received the holy spirit. 18when Simon saw that the holy spirit was given by imposition of the hands of the apostles, he offered them money, saying, 19give me too this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands he may receive the holy spirit. 20but Peter said unto him, thy money perish with thee, for thinking that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21thou hast no manner of share in this gift: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray to God, to forgive, if it be possible, this suggestion you have entertain'd. 23for I perceive you are upon the brink of misery, led captive by your sin. 24Simon answered, do you pray to the Lord for me, that nothing like what you mention may befall me.

25after this the apostles having certified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel by the way in many villages of the Samaritans.

Philip and the Ethiopian

26Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, arise, and go toward the south, by the way that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza, in the desart. 27accordingly he departed: and met a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, and was her high-treasurer: he had been at Jerusalem, to perform the duties of a proselyte, 28but was now upon his return, and sat in his chariot, reading the prophet Esaias. 29then the spirit said unto Philip, go near, and advance to his chariot. 30Philip ran to him, and hearing him read the prophet Esaias, said, do you understand what you read? 31how can I, answer'd he, without some expositor? and he desired Philip to mount, and sit with him.

32the passage of the scripture which he read, was this, "he was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb before his shearer, was dumb, so opened he not his mouth:

33in his humiliation he was judged, he was taken off: and who shall describe the men of his time? for the land has taken away his life."

34and the eunuch answered Philip, and said, pray, of whom does the prophet say this? of himself, or of some other? 35then Philip enter'd upon the subject, and show'd how the whole passage was applicable to Jesus. 36as they pursued their journey, they came to a place of water: and the eunuch said, see, here is water; what should hinder my being baptized? 37[and Philip said, if you believe with all your heart, you may, and he answered, I do believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God.] 38so he order'd the charioteer to stop: and they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39when they were come out of the water, the spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he pursued his way with joy. 40but Philip was found at Azotus: and passing on, he preached in all the cities, till he came to Cesarea.