While Stephen was being killed by stoning, a young man named Saul was present and approved of his execution. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.
But Saul began to destroy the church, and, entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and put them to prison. But those who were scattered went about preaching the Word wherever they went.
Philip (one of the seven deacons appointed previously) went down to Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.