After the Jews had stoned to death, they started persecuting all the Christians in Jerusalem. They killed some of them and put others in prison. Apart from the apostles who stayed behind in Jerusalem, the rest of the Christians fled and sought refuge outside Jerusalem.

Philip, one of the seven deacons, was one of those who fled Jerusalem. He went to Samaria and preached to the people there about Jesus Christ. The Samaritans were not friendly with the Jews but they listened gladly to the good news, which Philip brought. Philip also performed miracles among the Samaritans. He healed the sick and drove out demons from those possessed. This brought much joy to the Samaritans and many of them were converted to Christianity.

The apostles in Jerusalem heard that the Samaritans had accepted the good news about Jesus through the missionary work of Philip. Therefore, they sent Peter and John to them so that they might encourage the Samaritans in the Christian life. When Peter and John arrived, they were very happy with the efforts of Philip. They prayed for the Samaritans and laid their hands on them so that they might receive the Holy Spirit; and there and then, they received the Holy Spirit.

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