3 Saul tried to destroy the church. He dragged men and women out of one home after another and threw them into prison.
4 The believers who were scattered went from place to place, where they spread the word.
5 Philip went to the city of Samaria and told people about the Messiah.
6 The crowds paid close attention to what Philip said. They listened to him and saw the miracles that he performed.
7 Evil spirits screamed as they came out of the many people they had possessed. Many paralyzed and lame people were cured.
8 As a result, that city was extremely happy.
9 A man named Simon lived in that city. He amazed the people of Samaria with his practice of magic. He claimed that he was great.