What happensPermalink
The stoning of Stephen sets off a persecution of the church, scattering them. Philip proclaims Christ in Samaria. A magician named Simon believes, but tries to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, and Peter rebukes him. Philip explains Isaiah’s prophecy of Jesus to an Ethiopian and baptizes him.
Why it mattersPermalink
Saul sought to destroy the early church, but his work ultimately fulfilled Jesus’s command to expand the gospel out of Jerusalem to Israel and Samaria. The story of the Ethiopian shows the power and direction of the Spirit while teaching that sometimes we need guidance to see God clearly.
Key versePermalink
Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.