Read the Bible

¹ And 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.² And devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him.³ But Saul made havock of the church, entring into every house, and haling men and women, committed them to prison.

⁴ Therefore they that were scattered abroad, went every where, preaching the word.⁵ And Philip coming down to a city of Samaria, preached Christ to them.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, 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 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 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 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.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, 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 nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right before God.²² Repent 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.²⁷ And 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,²⁸ and had come to Jerusalem to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot, read the prophet Isaiah.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?³¹ And he said, How can I, unless some one guide me?³² And 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.³³ In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: 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. 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 to the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.³⁹ And 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.⁴⁰ But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Cesarea.