Saul Persecutes the Church

1AND at that time there was raised a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all dispersed through the countries of Judea, and Samaria, except the apostles. 2And devout men took order for Stephen's funeral, and made great mourning over him. 3But Saul made havock of the church, entering in from house to house, and dragging away men and women, committed them to prison.

Philip in Samaria

4They therefore that were dispersed, went about preaching the word of God. 5And Philip going down to the city of Samaria, preached Christ unto them. 6And the people with one accord were attentive to those things which were said by Philip, hearing, and seeing the miracles which he did. 7For many of them who had unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, went out. 8And many, taken with the palsy, and that were lame, were healed.

Simon the Sorcerer

(Deuteronomy 18:9-14)

9There was therefore great joy in that city. Now there was a certain man named Simon, who before had been a magician in that city, seducing the people of Samaria, giving out that he was some great one: 10To whom they all gave ear, from the least to the greatest, saying: This man is the power of God, which is called great. 11And they were attentive to him, because, for a long time, he had bewitched them with his magical practices. 12But when they had believed Philip preaching of the kingdom of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Then Simon himself believed also; and being baptized, he adhered to Philip. And being astonished, wondered to see the signs and exceeding great miracles which were done.

14Now when the apostles, who were in Jerusalem, had heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John. 15Who, when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. 16For he was not as yet come upon any of them; but they were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then they laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18And when Simon saw, that by the imposition of the hands of the apostles, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19Saying: Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I shall lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said to him: 20Keep thy money to thyself, to perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21Thou hast no part nor lot in this matter. For thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22Do penance therefore for this thy wickedness; and pray to God, that perhaps this thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee. 23For I see thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bonds of iniquity. 24Then Simon answering, said: Pray you for me to the Lord, that none of these things which you have spoken may come upon me.

25And they indeed having testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel to many countries of the Samaritans.

Philip and the Ethiopian

26Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying: Arise, go towards the south, to the way that goeth down from Jerusalem into Gaza: this is desert. 27And rising up, he went. And behold a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch, of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge over all her treasures, had come to Jerusalem to adore. 28And he was returning, sitting in this chariot, and reading Isaias the prophet. 29And the Spirit said to Philip: Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30And Philip running thither, heard him reading the prophet Isaias. And he said: Thinkest thou that thou understandest what thou readest? 31Who said: And how can I, unless some man shew me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

32And the place of the scripture which he was reading was this: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb without voice before his shearer, so openeth he not his mouth.

33In humility his judgment was taken away. His generation who shall declare, for his life shall be taken from the earth?

34And the eunuch answering Philip, said: I beseech thee, of whom doth the prophet speak this? of himself, or of some other man? 35Then Philip, opening his mouth, and beginning at this scripture, preached unto him Jesus. 36And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water; and the eunuch said: See, here is water: what doth hinder me from being baptized? 37And Philip said: If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. And he answering, said: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38And he commanded the chariot to stand still; and they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch: and he baptized him. 39And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord took away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more. And he went on his way rejoicing. 40But Philip was found in Azotus; and passing through, he preached the gospel to all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.