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In this passage Luke records how the church gets scattered by persecution (vv. 1 – 3), how Philip proclaims the gospel in Samaria (vv. 4 – 8), how Simon the magician tries to buy the Spirit’s power (vv. 9 – 24), and how the apostles continue preaching the gospel throughout Samaria (v. 25).

Before we dive into the story of the church’s first martyr, Stephen, I want to take a few moments to address last week’s text and sermon from Acts 6:1 – 7. Most preachers struggle with wondering if their sermons are faithful, effective, and helpful. I am not immune to those feelings or questions at all. I do not typically walk away from preaching a sermon feeling like Jesus is fist bumping me on the way out of the pulpit, but I do typically find some joy in preaching and some assurance that the Lord helps me to be faithful to his Word and his people.