1   And at that time there was a great persecution against the church, ^note which was in Jerusalem. And they were all scattered abroad through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2   And devout men ^note buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. 3   But Saul made havock of the church, ^note entring into every house, and haling men and women, committed them to prison.

4   Therefore they that were scattered abroad, went every where, ^note preaching the word.

5   And Philip coming down to a city of Samaria, preached Christ to them. ^note 6   And the people with one accord gave heed to the things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7   For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many that had them, and many sick of the palsy and lame were healed. 8   And there was great joy in that city. 9   But a certain man, ^note named Simon, had been before in the city, using magic, and astonishing the Samaritans, saying, that he was some great one. 10   To whom they all gave heed from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11   They gave heed to him, because he had a long time astonished them with witchcraft. 12   But when they believed ^note Philip, preaching the things of the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13   And Simon himself believed ^note also; and being baptized, he

continued with Philip, and was astonished, beholding the signs and mighty miracles which were done. 14   And the apostles who were at Jerusalem, hearing that Samaria ^note had received the word of God, sent to them Peter and John: 15   Who being come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. ^note 16   For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17   Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18   And Simon seeing that thro' laying on of the hands of the apostles the Holy Ghost was given, 19   offered them money, ^note Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20   But Peter said to him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought to purchase the gift of God with money. 21   Thou hast neither part ^note nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right before God. 22   Repent ^note therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee. 23   For I see, thou art in the gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity. 24   And Simon answering said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things, which ye have spoken, may come upon me. 25   They then, having testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned toward Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

26   And an angel of the Lord spake to Philip, saying, Arise and go toward the south by the way leading down from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is desert. ^note 27   And he arose and went. And lo an Ethiopian, an eunuch ^note of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over

all her treasure, 28   and had come to Jerusalem to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot, read the prophet Isaiah. ^note 29   Then the Spirit said to Philip, Go near and join thyself to this chariot. 30   And Philip running to him, heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? ^note 31   And he said, How can I, unless some one guide me? 32   And he desired Philip to come up, and sit with him. ^note The portion of scripture ^note which he was reading, was this, ^note He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so he opened not his mouth. 33   In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: ^note and who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth. 34   And the eunuch answering Philip, said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man? 35   Then Philip opening his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36   And as they went on the way, they came to a certain water. ^note And the eunuch said, Behold water: what hindereth me to be baptized? 37   And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayst. And he answering said, I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 38   And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down ^note to the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39   And when they were come up out of the17Q0287 water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, ^note that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his

way rejoicing. 40   But Philip was found at Azotus: ^note and passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Cesarea.

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