Wait...That's In Acts? Ep 20

Persecution Scatters the Church, Philip in Samaria, and Simon the Magician

Sharon and Melissa continue in Acts 8, beginning with Saul approving Stephen’s execution and the resulting persecution that scatters believers from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria. They discuss how Stephen is honorably buried, and how Saul’s ravaging of the church reflects rage rather than repentance. The conversation shifts to Philip preaching Christ in Samaria, where open-hearted crowds respond to the word alongside signs, deliverance from unclean spirits, healings, and great joy. They then examine Simon the Magician, who believes and is baptized but seeks to buy the power to impart the Holy Spirit, prompting Peter’s sharp rebuke and call to repent.