Acts 8:1-8 ▼

1 Saul approved of putting Stephen to death. On that day widespread persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem. Most believers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

2 Devout men buried Stephen as they mourned loudly for him.

3 Saul tried to destroy the church. He dragged men and women out of one home after another and threw them into prison.

4 The believers who were scattered went from place to place, where they spread the word.

5 Philip went to the city of Samaria and told people about the Messiah.

6 The crowds paid close attention to what Philip said. They listened to him and saw the miracles that he performed.

7 Evil spirits screamed as they came out of the many people they had possessed. Many paralyzed and lame people were cured.

8 As a result, that city was extremely happy.