“At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles…As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.”
Philip, one of the 7 selected to serve in the church in Jerusalem, goes to Samaria where he preaches Christ to them. Multitudes receive Christ and are baptized resulting in great joy in the city. So Peter and John hear of it and come to Samaria to pray over the people that they may receive the Holy Spirit. One man, Simon a sorcerer, offers them cash for the Holy Spirit. Peter says to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.” So Simon asks Peter to pray for him.
Then an angel tells Philip to go south on a road from Jerusalem to Gaza. There Philip has a divine appointment with an Ethiopian eunuch returning from worshipping in Jerusalem. When Philip comes near his chariot, he finds the man reading the words of Isaiah and he asks him if he understands. The Ethiopian responds, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.” The Ethiopian eunuch goes on to receive Jesus Christ as his Savior and is baptized by Philip. 🙌
All these wonderful things in the name of Jesus are happening but Saul is still doing what Saul loves to do and that is breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. That is until Jesus stops him on a road to Damascus and asks him why he is persecuting Him? Then Jesus blinds him for 3 days and after 3 days the scales fall from Saul’s eyes. Saul receives the Holy Spirit and is baptized bc God has plans for Saul “…for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” But this won’t be an easy road for Saul. “For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
After Saul receives food and is strengthened, “Immediately he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.” And when the Jews try to kill him, his new brothers in Christ hide him.
Tomorrow Peter receives a vision from the Lord. Keep reading to find out God’s instructions for Peter.
(Acts 8:1b-9:43)
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Chronological Bible in Layman's Terms 