1And at that time there was a great persecution against the church, which was in Jerusalem. And they were all scattered abroad through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2And devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. 3But Saul made havock of the church, entring into every house, and haling men and women, committed them to prison. 4Therefore they that were scattered abroad, went every where, preaching the word. 5And Philip coming down to a city of Samaria, preached Christ to them. 6And the people with one accord gave heed to the things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many that had them, and many sick of the palsy and lame were healed. 8And there was great joy in that city. 9But a certain man, named Simon, had been before in the city, using magic, and astonishing the Samaritans, saying, that he was some great one. 10To whom they all gave heed from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11They gave heed to him, because he had a long time astonished them with witchcraft. 12But when they believed Philip, preaching the things of the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13And Simon himself believed also; and being baptized, he continued with Philip, and was astonished, beholding the signs and mighty miracles which were done. 14And the apostles who were at Jerusalem, hearing that Samaria had received the word of God, sent to them Peter and John: 15Who being come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. 16For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18And Simon seeing that thro' laying on of the hands of the apostles the Holy Ghost was given, 19offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20But Peter said to him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought to purchase the gift of God with money. 21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right before God. 22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee. 23For I see, thou art in the gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity. 24And Simon answering said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things, which ye have spoken, may come upon me. 25They then, having testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned toward Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. 26And 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. 27And he arose and went. And lo an Ethiopian, an eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, 28and had come to Jerusalem to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot, read the prophet Isaiah. 29Then the Spirit said to Philip, Go near and join thyself to this chariot. 30And Philip running to him, heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31And he said, How can I, unless some one guide me? 32And he desired Philip to come up, and sit with him. The portion of scripture which he was reading, was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so he opened not his mouth. 33In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth. 34And the eunuch answering Philip, said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man? 35Then Philip opening his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36And as they went on the way, they came to a certain water. And the eunuch said, Behold water: what hindereth me to be baptized? 37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayst. And he answering said, I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 38And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down to 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 caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 40But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Cesarea.