Chapter 7, verse 45 - Chapter 8, verse 22
45
which also our fathers, in their turn, brought in with Joshua when they entered into the possession of the nations, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, to the days of David,
46
who found favor in the sight of God, and asked to find a habitation for the God of Jacob.
47
But Solomon built him a house.
48
However, the Most High doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says,
49
‘heaven is my throne, and the earth a footstool for my feet. What kind of house will you build me?’ says the Lord
50
Didn’t my hand make all these things?’
51
“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do.
52
Which of the prophets didn’t your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.
53
You received the law as it was ordained by angels, and didn’t keep it!”
54
Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
55
But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56
and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
57
But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed at him with one accord.
58
They threw him out of the city, and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59
They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”
60
He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Chapter 8
1
Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.
2
Devout men buried Stephen, and lamented greatly over him.
3
But Saul ravaged the assembly, entering into every house, and dragged both men and women off to prison.
4
Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word.
5
Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the Christ.
6
The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard and saw the signs which he did.
7
For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.
8
There was great joy in that city.
9
But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one,
10
to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that great power of God.”
11
They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.
12
But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13
Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.
14
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
15
who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit
16
for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus.
17
Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18
Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,
19
saying, “Give me also this power, that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20
But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
21
You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before God.
22
Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
