Until the Sanhedrin unleashed their hatred of Jesus onto Stephen, by stoning him to death, Jerusalem was peaceful with the people who had believed in Jesus.  There may have been a real sense of guilt about the public condemnation of Jesus (Acts 2:36-37), and the new church was certainly popular with the Jews (Acts 2:47).  Miracles, done by the apostles, enhanced that reputation making the Sanhedrin Council afraid of being hostile to the Christians (Acts 5:26).

Philip's gospel mission in Samaria attracted many spiritually hungry people (Acts 8:4-8).  They had previously felt they were spiritual outcasts, because of their history and their rejection by apparently holy people in Jerusalem and Judea (John 4:9).  But when Philip announced that God's kingdom was for Samaritans, as well as pure-bred Jews, people were eager to believe in Jesus and be baptised.

Philip the Evangelist was preaching the gospel in Samaria, when Simon the Sorcerer was attracted to hear what he had to say.  As people believed, they were baptised; Simon among them.  But there was something wrong in the heart of this man who craved public recognition, and presumably made money from his 'magic powers' (Acts 8:4-11).  Simon’s heart-desires came to light when Peter and John came from Jerusalem, teaching that all who believed in Jesus should also welcome His Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17).  As they laid hands on the new believers, Simon saw manifestations of God's power, and he d

Philip's evangelistic ministry in Samaria was effective.  People were hungry for God's Word and many believed in Jesus (Acts 8:12).  We do not know the timing, but it seems that during Philip's mission, the Lord told him to move on, taking a southerly route which met the road from Jerusalem to Gaza.  There were no further instructions. Philip obeyed, not knowing what situation he might find.