Acts 8:4-14

4Now those [believers] who had been scattered went from place to place preaching the word [the good news of salvation through Christ].

5Philip [the evangelist] went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) to them.

6The crowds gathered and were paying close attention to everything Philip said, as they heard [the message] and saw the [miraculous] signs which he was doing [validating his message].

7For unclean spirits (demons), shouting loudly, were coming out of many who were possessed; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.

8So there was great rejoicing in that city.

9Now there was a man named Simon, who previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great.

10They all paid [a great deal of] attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is what is called the Great Power of God!”

11They were paying attention to him because for a long time he had mystified and dazzled them with his magic.

12But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, both men and women.

13Even Simon believed [Philip’s message of salvation]; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he watched the attesting signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed.

14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that [the people of] Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.