Acts 8

Saul Ravages the Church

1 And b Saul c approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and d they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But e Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he f dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria

4 Now g those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 h Philip went down to the city 1 of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 i And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him j and saw the signs that he did. 7 For k unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So l there was much joy in that city.

Simon the Magician Believes

9 But there was a man named Simon, m who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, n saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, o "This man is the power of God that is called p Great." 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had q amazed them with his magic. 12 But when r they believed Philip as he preached good news s about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, r they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And t seeing signs and u great miracles 2 performed, v he was amazed.

14 Now when w the apostles at Jerusalem heard that x Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them y that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for z he had not yet a fallen on any of them, but b they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then c they laid their hands on them and d they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him, e "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God f with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for g your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, h if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in i the gall 3 of bitterness and in j the bond of iniquity." 24 And Simon answered, k "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."

25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, l preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

26 Now m an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and go toward the south 4 to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an n Ethiopian, a o eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, p who was in charge of all her treasure. q He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join this chariot." 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 31 And he said, r "How can I, unless someone s guides me?" And t he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:
u "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his v humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth."

34 And the eunuch said to Philip, "About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?" 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and w beginning with this Scripture x he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! y What prevents me from being baptized?" 5 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, z the Spirit of the Lord a carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

  1. Cross References
    Acts 7:58
    Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
    Acts 22:20
    And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.
  2. Cross References
    Romans 1:32
    Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
  3. Cross References
    Acts 11:19
    Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.
    Matthew 10:23
    When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
  4. Cross References
    Acts 9:1
    But Saul, still breathing threats and murder ag...
    Acts 9:13
    But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from ...
    Acts 9:21
    And all who heard him were amazed and said, "Is...
    Acts 22:4
    I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and...
    Acts 22:19
    And I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that in...
    Acts 26:10 - 11
    And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up...
    1 Corinthians 15:9
    For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to...
    Galatians 1:13
    For you have heard of my former life in Judaism...
    Philippians 3:6
    As to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to r...
    1 Timothy 1:13
    Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor,...
  5. Cross References
    James 2:6
    But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?
  6. Cross References
    Acts 8:1
    And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
  7. Cross References
    Acts 6:5
    And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.
  8. Cross References
    John 4:39
    Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me all that I ever did.
  9. Cross References
    John 2:23
    Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.
  10. Cross References
    Mark 16:17 - 18
    And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues.
  11. Cross References
    Acts 8:39
    And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.
    John 16:22
    So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
  12. Cross References
    Acts 8:11
    And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.
    Acts 13:6
    When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.
  13. Cross References
    Acts 5:36
    For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.
  14. Cross References
    Acts 14:11
    And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!
    Acts 28:6
    They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
  15. Cross References
    Acts 19:27 - 28
    And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.
  16. Cross References
    Acts 8:9
    But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great.
    Acts 8:13
    Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
    Galatians 3:1
    O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.
  17. Cross References
    Acts 16:33 - 34
    And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.
    Acts 18:8
    Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.
    Mark 16:16
    Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
  18. Cross References
    Acts 16:33 - 34
    And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.
    Acts 18:8
    Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.
    Mark 16:16
    Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
  19. Cross References
    Acts 1:3
    He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
  20. Cross References
    Acts 8:6 - 7
    And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.
  21. Cross References
    Acts 19:11
    And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul.
  22. Cross References
    Acts 8:9
    But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great.
  23. Cross References
    Acts 8:1
    And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
  24. Cross References
    Acts 1:8
    But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
  25. Cross References
    Acts 2:38
    And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  26. Cross References
    Acts 19:2
    And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.
  27. Cross References
    Acts 10:44
    While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.
    Acts 11:15
    As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning.
  28. Cross References
    Acts 19:5
    On hearing this, they were baptized in the name...
    Acts 2:38
    And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized...
    Acts 10:47 - 48
    "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these ...
    Matthew 28:19
    Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,...
    1 Corinthians 1:13
    Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? ...
    1 Corinthians 1:15
    So that no one may say that you were baptized i...
    Galatians 3:27
    For as many of you as were baptized into Christ...
  29. Cross References
    Acts 9:17
    So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
    Acts 19:6
    And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
    Acts 6:6
    These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
    Hebrews 6:2
    And of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
  30. Cross References
    Acts 2:4
    And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
  31. Cross References
    2 Kings 5:16
    But he said, "As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none." And he urged him to take it, but he refused.
    Daniel 5:17
    Then Daniel answered and said before the king, "Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation.
  32. Cross References
    Isaiah 55:1
    Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
  33. Cross References
    2 Kings 10:15
    And when he departed from there, he met Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him. And he greeted him and said to him, "Is your heart true to my heart as mine is to yours?" And Jehonadab answered, "It is." Jehu said, "If it is, give me your hand." So he gave him his hand. And Jehu took him up with him into the chariot.
    Psalms 78:37
    Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant.
  34. Cross References
    Daniel 4:27
    Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.
    2 Timothy 2:25
    Correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.
  35. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 29:18
    Beware lest there be among you a man or woman or clan or tribe whose heart is turning away today from the Lord our God to go and serve the gods of those nations. Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit.
    Deuteronomy 32:32
    For their vine comes from the vine of Sodom and from the fields of Gomorrah; their grapes are grapes of poison; their clusters are bitter.
    Hebrews 12:15
    See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.
  36. Cross References
    Isaiah 58:6
    Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?
    Ephesians 4:3
    Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
    Colossians 3:14
    And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
  37. Cross References
    Exodus 8:8
    Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, "Plead with the Lord to take away the frogs from me and from my people, and I will let the people go to sacrifice to the Lord.
    Exodus 9:28
    Plead with the Lord, for there has been enough of God's thunder and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.
    Exodus 10:17
    Now therefore, forgive my sin, please, only this once, and plead with the Lord your God only to remove this death from me.
  38. Cross References
    Acts 8:6 - 8
    And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.
    John 4:39
    Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me all that I ever did.
  39. Cross References
    Acts 5:19
    But during the night an angel of the Lord opene...
    Acts 10:3
    About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly ...
    Acts 11:13
    And he told us how he had seen the angel stand ...
    Acts 12:7
    And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to ...
    Acts 12:23
    Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him dow...
    Acts 27:23
    For this very night there stood before me an an...
    Judges 6:12
    And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and s...
    Judges 13:3
    And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman...
  40. Cross References
    Psalms 68:31
    Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God.
    Psalms 87:4
    Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush - "This one was born there," they say.
    Zephaniah 3:10
    From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, the daughter of my dispersed ones, shall bring my offering.
  41. Cross References
    Jeremiah 38:7
    When Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch who was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern - the king was sitting in the Benjamin Gate -
  42. Cross References
    Ezra 7:21
    And I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers in the province Beyond the River: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, requires of you, let it be done with all diligence.
  43. Cross References
    1 Kings 8:41 - 42
    Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a far country for your name's sake
    John 12:20
    Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.
  44. Cross References
    Romans 10:14
    How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
  45. Cross References
    John 16:13
    When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
  46. Cross References
    1 Kings 20:33
    Now the men were watching for a sign, and they quickly took it up from him and said, "Yes, your brother Ben-hadad." Then he said, "Go and bring him." Then Ben-hadad came out to him, and he caused him to come up into the chariot.
    2 Kings 10:15
    And when he departed from there, he met Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him. And he greeted him and said to him, "Is your heart true to my heart as mine is to yours?" And Jehonadab answered, "It is." Jehu said, "If it is, give me your hand." So he gave him his hand. And Jehu took him up with him into the chariot.
  47. Cross References
    Isaiah 53:7 - 8
    He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
  48. Cross References
    Isaiah 53:7 - 8
    He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
  49. Cross References
    Philippians 2:8
    And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
  50. Cross References
    Luke 24:27
    And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
    Acts 17:2
    And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.
    Acts 18:28
    For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
  51. Cross References
    Acts 5:42
    And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
  52. Cross References
    Acts 10:47
    "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"
  53. Cross References
    1 Kings 18:12
    And as soon as I have gone from you, the Spirit...
    2 Kings 2:16
    And they said to him, "Behold now, there are wi...
    Ezekiel 3:12
    Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behin...
    Ezekiel 3:14
    The Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I...
    Ezekiel 8:3
    He put out the form of a hand and took me by a ...
    Ezekiel 11:1
    The Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the e...
    Ezekiel 11:24
    And the Spirit lifted me up and brought me in t...
    Ezekiel 43:5
    The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the...
  54. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 12:2
    I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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