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8:4-25 Those who had been scattered (out of Jerusalem) went around
preaching the word. Phillip was gong down to the city
of Samaria to
proclaim the Christ to them. The
crowd heeded the things being said by Philip with one mind. They also saw the signs he was
working. Many of those who had
unclean spirits came out crying with a loud voice. Many who were paralysed
and the lame were healed. There was
much joy in that city. Now there was
a certain man named Simon who was previously practised magic in the city
and who astonished all of Samaria. They thought he was someone great and
all of them, from the greatest to the least heeded him. (They said) "This man is great in
the power of God" They heeded him because he had astonished them with
his magic for a considerable time.
But when they believed Phillip who was preaching about the kingdom of God and in the name of Jesus Christ,
they were baptized, both men and women.
Now Simon himself also believed.
And having been baptized he was attaching himself to Philip. On seeing the signs and the great and
powerful deeds happening he was amazed. Meanwhile in Jerusalem
the apostles heard that Samaria
had received the word of God. They
sent Peter and
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John
to them. On going down they prayed
for them so they (the Samaritans) might receive the Holy Spirit. For he (the Holy Spirit) had not fallen
on any of them. They had only been baptized
in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then
they (Peter and John) laid hands on them (the Samaritans) and they received
the Holy Spirit. On seeing (all
this) Simon saw that through the laying on of the hands of the apostles the
Spirit was given. He (therefore)
offered them money saying "Give me this authority as well so that on
whomever I lay my hands he may also received the Holy Spirit." But Peter said to him. "May your
silver be to your perdition because you
have supposed that you could obtain the gift of God through money. You have no right in this matter for your
heart is not right before God.
Therefore repent from this wickedness and ask the Lord if perhaps he
will forgive you the thought of your heart.
For I see in you a gall of bitterness and a bond of
iniquity." And answering Simon
said "You ask the Lord for me so that none of the things you have
spoken about will come upon me."
They (Peter and John) therefore gave solemn witness and on speaking
the word of the Lord they returned to Jerusalem. Many of the villages of the Samaritans
were evangelized.
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