Jul 21, 2017
Philip, one of the seven chosen to "serve tables” as was Stephen, heads north to Samaria and encounters a popular magician named Simon for whom the people in Samaria had high regard. Simon hears the message of Jesus from Philip and is baptized. The Jerusalem Church, hearing of the events in Samaria, send Peter and John to Samaria. They “lay hands on” the new believers, and the Holy Spirit falls on them. Seeing this, Simon asks for this power. Peter admonishes him, understanding that Simon is unconverted after all and invites him to repent. Peter and John return to Jerusalem, going south and preaching all through that area of Samaria.