After the death of Stephen, Saul brought great persecution upon the Church chasing its’ leaders throughout Samaria and Gentile cities as they spread the gospel. Saul’s plan to eradicate Christianity didn’t work the way he had desired as Christianity only gained more followers. One of these church leaders was Philip. In Acts 8, Luke tells two stories about Philip, the first is his encounter with a sorcerer who tries to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, and the other involves teleportation and an Ethiopian Eunuch.

The Disciples heard complaints from Helenists that they were being overlooked in the receiving of food. Who were these Helenists? How was this complaint addressed? Then the Jewish leadership arrest Stephen for preaching Christ. He then gives his defense, which angered the leadership to the point they stoned him to death. And during this, the most famous Jewish leader was there who agreed with the stoning of Stephen, and aided in its accomplishment.