Acts
Chapter 8
Persecution scatters the church, Philip preaches in Samaria, and the Ethiopian is baptized.
Use ← → arrow keys, Space, or the buttons below.
Acts 8:1–3 — Saul Persecutes the Church
Saul approved of Stephen’s execution.
Great persecution begins that day.
The church is scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
The apostles remain in Jerusalem.
Devout men bury Stephen.
They make great lamentation over him.
Saul ravages the church.
He enters house after house.
He drags off men and women.
He commits them to prison.
Acts 1:8 begins to unfold: Jerusalem → Judea → Samaria.
Acts 8:1–3
Acts 8:4–8 — Philip Preaches in Samaria
Scattered believers go about preaching the word.
Philip goes to Samaria.
He proclaims the Christ.
Crowds pay attention to his message.
They see the signs Philip performs.
Unclean spirits come out.
Paralyzed and lame people are healed.
“There was much joy in that city.”
Persecution scattered the believers but did not stop the word.
Acts 8:4–8
Acts 8:9–25 — Simon and the Samaritans
Simon had practiced magic.
Samaritans believe Philip’s preaching.
Men and women are baptized.
Simon believes and is baptized.
Jerusalem sends Peter and John.
Samaritans had been baptized in Jesus’ name.
Peter and John pray and lay hands on them.
They receive the Holy Spirit.
Simon sees the Spirit is given through the apostles’ hands.
Simon offers money for that power.
Peter rebukes him: “Repent ... and pray to the Lord.”
Simon asks them to pray for him.
Peter and John preach in many Samaritan villages.
The gift of God cannot be purchased.
Acts 8:9–25
Acts 8:26–40 — Philip and the Ethiopian
An angel sends Philip toward Gaza.
An Ethiopian official is returning from worship in Jerusalem.
He is a servant of Candace, responsible for her treasure.
He is reading Isaiah.
“Do you understand what you are reading?”
“How can I, unless someone guides me?”
Philip begins with that Scripture and preaches Jesus.
They come to water: “What prevents me from being baptized?”
Philip and the eunuch go down into the water.
Philip baptizes him.
They come up out of the water.
The Ethiopian goes on his way rejoicing.
Philip is found at Azotus.
He preaches until he reaches Caesarea.
Teaching Jesus led naturally to the Ethiopian asking about baptism.
Acts 8:26–40