Ac 8:1-24 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
It was great persecution against the church that lead to them scattering abroad throughout the regions. Jesus said in Acts 1:8 Ye shall receive power after the Holy Ghost has come on you to be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the utmost parts of the earth. So this was actually a manifestation of that prophetic word. I find this very interesting with the things of God. He never tells you everything. If they knew that persecution was going to be part of the deal they probably would not have accepted that assignment. I have personally seen this played out in my life over the past 35 years that I walked with the Lord. There are still some things that he spoke into my life many years ago that have not yet come to pass, but I'm going to stay with the journey. My life is a wonderful adventure.
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.
9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorcery's. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
This is a clear indication that the early church believed in the baptism in Jesus name and receiving the Holy Ghost. If it was necessary then it is necessary today. There are actually preachers saying there is no need for baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost today. I don't know what bible they are reading. The Apostles felt that it was so important that they sent Peter and John to Samaria for that very purpose.
