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First Reading for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter

Acts 8:1b-8

Summary: Following Stephen's death, a harsh persecution dispersed believers, except the Apostles, spreading the message further. Philip's ministry in Samaria, filled with miracles and healings, brought great joy to the city.

Joy Amid Persecution

There broke out a severe persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, and all were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles.

Devout men buried Stephen and made a loud lament over him. Saul, meanwhile, was trying to destroy the Church; entering house after house and dragging out men and women, he handed them over for imprisonment.

Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. Thus Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured.

There was great joy in that city.

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