17So Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:14-17). 16As yet the Spirit had fallen on none of them -they had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus. 15When Peter and John came down to Samaria, they prayed that the people might receive the Holy Spirit. ¶“ 14The apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, so they sent Peter and John to them. After being baptized, he continued on with Philip, amazed by the signs and great miracles that he saw.” (Acts 8:9-13).

12But when the people of Samaria believed Philip preaching good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. They'd said of Simon, 'This man is that great power of God.' 11They listened to him because he'd long amazed them with his sorceries. 10All the people, from the least to the greatest, had listened to him. He'd amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one. ¶“ 9There was one man, named Simon, who had been doing sorcery in the city. 8There was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:5-8). Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. 7Unclean spirits came out shouting from many who were possessed. 6The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that Philip said, when they heard and saw the signs that he did. ¶“ 5Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed Christ to them. 4Meanwhile, those who'd been scattered went from place to place preaching the word.” (Acts 8:1-4).

He went around from house to house, dragging both men and women off to prison. 2Devout men buried Stephen, and lamented greatly over him. The apostles remained in Jerusalem, but the congregation in general was scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. On that day, a storm of persecution arose against the called out people in Jerusalem. ¶“ 1Saul was consenting to Stephen’s death.

Simon the sorcerer commentary