Acts 8:1-17 ▼

1 and 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,

2 and some devout men who carried Stephen to his burial, making great lamentation over him.

3 as 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.

4 but they that were dispers'd, preach'd the gospel wherever they went.

5 Philip being arrived at Samaria, preached Christ to them.

6 the people attended with great unanimity, hearing his discourses, and observing the miracles he wrought.

7 for the impure spirits, with great outcries, came out of many that were possessed: many paralytic, and lame people were cured.

8 which caused great joy in that city.

9 One 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,

10 that they all followed him, both old and young, this man, said they, is the plenipotentiary of God.

11 no wonder they were so attach'd to one, who had for a long time infatuated them with his arts.

12 but 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.

13 nay, 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.

14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem, heard that the Samaritans had embraced the word of God, they sent Peter and John,

15 who 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

17 Jesus) the apostles therefore gave them imposition of hands, and they received the holy spirit.