As the story of Stephen concludes, the book of Acts moves towards a new section that focuses on the spread of the Gospel. This section also introduces Saul, who will be the primary character for the remainder of Acts. After Stephen's murder, Saul's behavior changed drastically. He went from coat-checking to forcibly entering Christian homes and arresting people. The church was driven out by persecution, but they continued to spread the Gospel as they traveled. One of Jesus' intended destinations mentioned in 1:8 was Samaria, where Philip went. In Acts, despite the historical animosity between Samaritans and Jews, the Samaritans are shown to be receptive to the Gospel following the persecution of believers in Jerusalem.

Philip, like Stephen, performs signs and wonders such as casting out spirits and healing the paralyzed and lame. These actions are not independent gifts but are meant to prove the message about Jesus that he preaches (Acts 8:6-7). Simon, a Samaritan, is known for practicing magic and has probably made money from it. He is very confident in his abilities. However, both the Old and New Testaments strongly denounce magic, sorcery, divination, and similar practices (Leviticus 19:26, 31; Deuteronomy 18:10; Malachi 3:5; Revelation 21:8; 22:15). Simon, the magician, appears to have a powerful conversion, not only believing and receiving baptism but also following Philip. Luke notes that Simon is particularly impressed by the "signs and great miracles" performed by Philip.

After hearing the news, Peter and John travel to Samaria (verse 14). They pray for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit since, even though they had been baptized in Jesus' name, the Spirit had not yet come upon them (verses 15-16). Luke provides a descriptive event that should not be interpreted as prescriptive or a recommended ongoing practice. In Acts, although the typical sequence is for believers to receive the Spirit and then be baptized, there are exceptions where individuals are baptized before receiving the Spirit. However, faith always comes before both receiving the Spirit and being baptized. Peter and John are present to authenticate the event. This is the first time people outside the Jewish community believe in Jesus, and the apostles' presence confirms that the new covenant is open to all who believe. The giving of the Spirit is proof that anyone who believes in Jesus will receive it.

Simon Magus's true intentions are revealed when the apostles lay hands on the believers. He asks to buy the power to impart the Spirit, indicating that his faith may not be genuine. Peter rebukes him and says that his heart is not right before God, making it clear that he has no part in this matter. Peter advises Simon to repent and pray for forgiveness in the hope that the Lord may forgive him. The rebuke suggests that Simon was not a true believer. Despite his lack of knowledge, he is still trying to obtain the gift of the Spirit for his benefit, hoping to gain even more power. Simon doesn't behave like a true believer, and Peter doesn't regard him as one. The story of Simon has an unclear ending. While he appears to be regretful, his words seem driven by fear of the consequences rather than genuine confession and remorse, leaving readers to wonder about his fate. Misunderstandings, false beliefs, and the risk of heresy often accompany the spread of the Gospel.

Before leaving, the disciples stay to witness and teach further the "word of the Lord" (v. 25). As the Gospel begins to spread into new areas, particularly predominantly Gentile areas, where biblical knowledge is nonexistent, the apostles frequently travel back to places they evangelized earlier. They not only reach them with the Gospel but make great efforts to teach them as well.