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2. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, Acts 8:2, KJV. Stephen is buried, and Saul sets out on a campaign of persecution of the church. This scattered the believers into other locations, and they preached Christ's gospel message. Philip enters Samaria, preaching Christ, and many powerful works were witnessed: the lame walked, the sick were healed, and unclean spirits were cast out of those who were possessed. Simon, a sorcerer, having bewitched the people of Samaria, projecting that he was a man with great power. Hearing Philip, he was converted and baptized. Seeing that the Holy Ghost was given to new believers when the Apostles' hands were laid on them, Simon offered money so that he might receive the power to give the Holy Ghost to anyone he laid hands on. Peter said, "Thy money perish with thee, because you believe that this gift of God can be purchased. Repent of thy wickedness." The Apostles returned to Jerusalem and preached the Gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. The lessons learned: hardship and persecution spread the Gospel. The Gospel crosses every barrier. God's spiritual gifts are not a product to buy or sell. Salvation is personal; it is a change of heart. You do not get it just because you are around holy people. Repentance is required by God to cleanse what we do in sin and why we do it. Amen.