Preface: Acts 8, like many chapters of Acts, is a series of vignettes. Saul has become a great enemy of the church at Jerusalem, to the point of going into private homes and hauling believers from those homes into prison. Many believers in Jerusalem, including Philip (the evangelist, not the Apostle), scattered, going to other cities and even other regions. Philip finds himself in Samaria, where he speaks about Jesus and has the ability to heal people and to case out demons. He enjoys great response to his evangelism. One man who believes is Simon the magician. John and Peter hear what is happening (all of the Apostles remained in Jerusalem), and they make a trip to Samaria. They lay their hands on these believers and they receive the Holy Spirit, subsequent to salvation. Simon decides that he wants this ability and is willing to invest in it—sort of the way a person might franchise a business today. Peter warns him against the approach and Simon changes his mind (thus averting the sin unto death). The final vignette in this chapter is Philip going south and meeting an Ethiopian official who is reading the book of Isaiah and does not understand it.

Bible Summary: Philip proclaimed Christ in Samaria. A magician offered money for the gift of the Spirit. Philip baptised an Ethiopian official.

The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 8 (a chart); from Slide Player; accessed June 30, 2022.

This should be the most extensive examination of Acts 8 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview: (taken from Light of the Word; accessed April 22, 2022).

Time and Place as per Modern Literal Version 2020:

37 AD. Samaria. Tiberius Caesar dies March 16. Caligula attempts to put his statue in the Temple.

Summer 37 AD. Road from Jerusalem to Gaza.

Outline of Chapter 8:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–3           Saul Persecutes the Church in Jerusalem

         vv.     4–8           Philip Evangelizes in Samaria

         vv.     9–25         Simon the Magician Believes in Jesus, but Takes a Wrong Turn

         vv.    26–40         Philip Evangelizes the Ethiopian Eunuch

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 8 (a chart)

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Acts 8 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Acts 8 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Acts 8

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Acts 8

         Introduction         The Principals of Acts 8

         Introduction         The Places of Acts 8

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 8

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Acts 8 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 8 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Acts 6–10)

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

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         v.      17              Is the Church Today Lacking the Holy Spirit?

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         v.      20              Money and the Ministry

         v.      20              Calling out Individual Pastors and Groups

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         v.      28              A Map of Samaria, Jerusalem, and Gaza

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         v.      40              Map of Gaza, Azotus and Caesarea

         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Acts 8 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Acts 8

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Acts 8

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         Addendum          Footnote for Acts 8:1 (The Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 8:1–3

         Addendum          Footnote for Acts 8:4 (The Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 8:4–8

         Addendum          Footnote for Acts 8:9 (The Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          Baptism or Immersion? (From the 2001 Translation)

         Addendum          Types of Baptisms (R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 8:9–13

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 8:14–17

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 8:18–24

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 8:26–28

         Addendum          Footnote for Acts 8:26 (The Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 8:29–33

         Addendum          Comparing the Greek Texts of Acts 8:32b–33 and Isaiah 53:7–8

         Addendum          Isaiah’s Prophecies About the Messiah

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 8:34–40

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         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Acts 8

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         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Acts 8

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Acts 8

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Acts 8

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An Introduction to Acts 8

I ntroduction: Acts 8 covers the interactions and ministries of quite a number of men. We might see this chapter as a series of vignettes. Saul, who would later be known as Paul, is trying to destroy the church in Jerusalem. It seems as if the religious hierarchy has a freer hand at this point when dealing with dissidents. When Jesus was crucified, which is around a.d. 28–29, it is clear that the Jews could not simply go out and kill Jesus. Therefore, they had to work the Romans in order to get what they wanted. However, now it is maybe 7 years later, the church has begun, and Stephen is the first martyr, stoned to death in the previous chapter. The religious hierarchy just went ahead and did that—it does not appear that there was any thought given to the Romans (whether this was simply a mob action, or whether they had more freedom to kill, we don’t know).

The first few verses of Acts 8 are all about Saul persecuting the early church in Jerusalem, and he does not appear to have any boundaries. He will go into people’s homes and haul them off to prison (it is not clear to me whether this is a Roman prison or a Jewish one).

Because of Saul’s vigorous campaign to destroy the Christian movement, people are starting to leave Jerusalem. The 11+1 Apostles remain there as a group, but individual believers are leaving Jerusalem in droves. However, when they arrive in other places, they speak of the Lord, and, not surprisingly, there are converts.

These people from Jerusalem—some of them—had sign gifts and they used this, in part, to continue an evangelical work.

Hearing about the believers in Samaria who have been saved, Peter and John decide to go there, and it turns out that the people are saved, but they lack the Spirit of God. They will receive the Holy Spirit under the hands of John and Peter.

This thing—where people believe first and then receive the Holy Spirit after the fact—is an important thing to discuss, and it will be hashed out when we come to that section of this chapter. However, let me say this: the book of Acts describes the evolution of the church; the epistles contain the doctrines and practices for the early church. So, there are things which occur in Acts and some of these things change and evolve—but that is not the case with the epistles. We accept the epistles as being accurate and authoritative. However, we do not look to the book of Acts to determine church practices.

The final section of this chapter is all about Philip speaking to the Ethiopian official. God the Holy Spirit guides Philip to leave Samaria and to go south to intercept an Ethiopian and to give this man the gospel. Philip will explain Isaiah 53 to this man.

This is the first passage that I am aware of where a gentile actually has a scroll from the Word of God in his possession.

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Saul Persecutes the Church in Jerusalem

There are several translations which connect the final verse or two from the previous chapter with the first half of Acts 8:1.

The last four verses from the previous chapter along with Acts 8:1a:

Acts 7:57–58       And having cried out with a loud voice, they held their ears and rushed upon him with one accord,  and having cast him out of the city, began to stone him. And the witnesses laid aside their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 

Acts 7:59            And as they were stoning Stephen, he was calling out and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 

Acts 7:60            And having fallen on his knees, he cried in a loud voice, “Lord, do not place this sin to them.” And having said this, he fell asleep. 

Acts 8:1a             And Saul was there consenting to his killing. (BLB)

Many consider Saul’s reaction in v. 1a to be properly placed with the previous chapter.

A considerable number of translations do not begin their heading or subheading until v. 1b.

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    But Saul kept on being pleased with the murder of him. But became in that the day persecution great to the church, the [one] in Jerusalem. But all scattered according to the regions of the Judah and Samaria, except the Apostles. But arranged to bury the Stephen men, circumspect (ones); and they made a lamentation—a great (one)—over him. But Saul defiled the church according to the houses [where they met] coming in [and] dragging out not only men but also women, delivering [them] to prison.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      Now Saul was agreeing with them in his murder. And in that day there arose a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they all were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

And godly men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him.

But Saul was doing injury to the church, going in from house to house, and dragging away both men and women, and committing them to prison.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) And at that time, there was raised a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem. And they were all dispersed through the countries of Judea, and Samaria, except the apostles.

And devout men took order for Stephen's funeral and made great mourning over him.

But Saul made havock of the church, entering in from house to house: and dragging away men and women, committed them to prison.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        But, Shaul {Saul} had desired and had participated in his murder. And there was in that day a great persecution for The Edtha {The Assembly} which was in Urishlem {Jerusalem}, and they all were scattering in the villages of Yehud {Judea}, and even beth Shamraye {the place of the Samaritans}, except those from The Shlikhe {The Sent Ones} alone.

And trustworthy men gathered him, burying Estephanus {Stephen}, and they mourned over him greatly.

But, Shaul {Saul} was persecuting The Edtheh d’Alaha {The Assembly of God}, while he was entering into homes, and dragging off men and women, and delivered them over to the prisoner's house.

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And Saul was consenting and participating in his death. And there was, in that day, a great persecution against the church that was at Jerusalem; and they were all dispersed, except the legates, among the villages of Judaea and likewise among the Samaritans.

And believing men gathered up and buried Stephen. And they lamented over him greatly.

And Saul persecuted the church of God, entering houses, and dragging forth men and women and committing them to prison.

Original Aramaic NT              But Shaul was consenting and participating in his murder, and in that day there was great persecution toward the church which was in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered into the villages of Judea, and among the Samaritans, except for the Apostles.

And believing men gathered up and buried Estephanaus, and they grieved over him greatly.

But Shaul was persecuting the Church of God, as he was entering houses and dragging men and women and delivering them to prison.

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             And Saul gave approval to his death. Now at that time a violent attack was started against the church in Jerusalem; and all but the Apostles went away into all parts of Judaea and Samaria. 

And God-fearing men put Stephen's body in its last resting-place, making great weeping over him. 

But Saul was burning with hate against the church, going into every house and taking men and women and putting them in prison.

Bible in Worldwide English     Saul agreed to Stephen being killed. At that time the church people at Jerusalem had much trouble. The church people all went into Judea and Samaria. Only the apostles stayed on at Jerusalem. Good men buried Stephen. They were very sad because he died. Saul made much trouble for the church people. He went into every house, pulled out men and women, and put them into prison.

Easy English                          Saul was standing there while the Jewish leaders killed Stephen. He agreed with what they did.

Saul puts many believers in prison

On the same day that Stephen died, the group of believers who lived in Jerusalem began to have great trouble. People did bad things to them. All the believers left Jerusalem and went to other places in Judea and Samaria. Only Jesus' 12 apostles stayed in Jerusalem.

Some good men who loved God buried Stephen's dead body. They were very sad and they cried with loud voices. But Saul brought great trouble to the believers. He wanted to destroy their whole group. So he went to all their houses. He took hold of the believers and he put them into prison. He did that to both men and women.

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  Saul agreed that the killing of Stephen was a good thing. Some godly men buried Stephen and cried loudly for him. On that day the Jews began to persecute the church in Jerusalem, making them suffer very much. Saul was also trying to destroy the group. He went into their houses, dragged out men and women, and put them in jail. All the believers left Jerusalem. Only the apostles stayed. The believers went to different places in Judea and Samaria.

God’s Word™                         Saul approved of putting Stephen to death. On that day widespread persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem. Most believers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen as they mourned loudly for him. Saul tried to destroy the church. He dragged men and women out of one home after another and threw them into prison.

Good News Bible (TEV)         And Saul approved of his murder. That very day the church in Jerusalem began to suffer cruel persecution. All the believers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout the provinces of Judea and Samaria. Some devout men buried Stephen, mourning for him with loud cries. But Saul tried to destroy the church; going from house to house, he dragged out the believers, both men and women, and threw them into jail.

J. B. Phillips                           Then, on his knees, he cried in ringing tones, “Lord, forgive them for this sin.” And with these words he fell into the sleep of death, while Saul gave silent assent to his execution. Acts 7:60 is included for context.

Widespread persecution follows Stephen’s death

On that very day a great storm of persecution burst upon the Church in Jerusalem. All Church members except the apostles were scattered over the countryside of Judea and Samaria. While reverent men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him, Saul harassed the Church bitterly. He would go from house to house, drag out both men and women and have them committed to prison.

The Message                         Simon the Wizard

That set off a terrific persecution of the church in Jerusalem. The believers were all scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. All, that is, but the apostles. Good and brave men buried Stephen, giving him a solemn funeral—not many dry eyes that day!

And Saul just went wild, devastating the church, entering house after house after house, dragging men and women off to jail.

NIRV                                      And Saul had agreed with the Sanhedrin that Stephen should die.

The Church Is Treated Badly and Scattered

On that day the church in Jerusalem began to be attacked and treated badly. All except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly Jews buried Stephen. They mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. He went from house to house. He dragged away men and women and put them in prison.

New Life Version                    It Is Hard for the Christians in Jerusalem

Saul thought it was all right that Stephen was killed. On that day people started to work very hard against the church in Jerusalem. All the followers, except the missionaries, were made to leave. They went to parts of the countries of Judea and Samaria. Good men put Stephen in a grave. There was much sorrow because of him. During this time Saul was making it very hard for the church. He went into every house of the followers of Jesus and took men and women and put them in prison.

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              ACTS 8

CHRISTIANS SCATTER IN TERROR

CHRISTIANS RUN FOR THEIR LIVES

Saul absolutely agreed that executing Stephen was the right thing to do. That very day, the tide turned against the church in Jerusalem. Tolerance ended. Persecution started. Followers of Jesus packed up and left town. They scattered throughout the territories of Judea and Samaria. [1] Everyone left except the apostles. Some men who loved God buried Stephen. Then they mourned him with deep emotion. All the while, Saul terrorized the church. He went door to door looking for followers of Jesus. When he found them—whether they were men or women—he arrested them and tossed them into prison. [2]

¹8:1Judea was the region, perhaps comparable to a county, that included Jerusalem. Samaria was a region north, in what is now the central part of Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

²8:3He later confessed that he was responsible for the execution of some Christians (Acts 22:4).

Contemporary English V.       Saul approved the stoning of Stephen. Some faithful followers of the Lord buried Stephen and mourned very much for him. At that time the church in Jerusalem suffered terribly. All of the Lord's followers, except the apostles, were scattered everywhere in Judea and Samaria. Saul started making a lot of trouble for the church. He went from house to house, arresting men and women and putting them in jail.

Goodspeed New Testament  And Saul entirely approved of his being put to death. A great persecution of the church in Jerusalem broke out that day, and they were all scattered over Judea and Samaria except the apostles. Some pious men buried Stephen and loudly lamented him. But Saul harassed the church. He went into one house after another, and dragging out men and women, put them in prison.

The Living Bible                     Paul was in complete agreement with the killing of Stephen.

And a great wave of persecution of the believers began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem, and everyone except the apostles fled into Judea and Samaria. (But some godly Jews^[a] came and with great sorrow buried Stephen.) Paul was like a wild man, going everywhere to devastate the believers, even entering private homes and dragging out men and women alike and jailing them.

[a] godly Jews, literally, “devout men.” It is not clear whether these were Christians who braved the persecution, or whether they were godly and sympathetic Jews.

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.

Persecution Scatters the Believers

A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.

The Passion Translation        Now, Saul agreed to be an accomplice to Stephen’s stoning and participated in his execution. From that day on, a great persecution of the church in Jerusalem began. All the believers scattered into the countryside of Judea and among the Samaritans, except the apostles who remained behind in Jerusalem.  God-fearing men gave Stephen a proper burial and mourned greatly over his death.  Then Saul mercilessly persecuted the church of God, going from house to house into the homes of believers to arrest both men and women and drag them off to prison.

Plain English Version             And Saul agreed with that Jewish council mob. He reckoned it was all right for them to kill Stephen.

After that, some good men got Stephen’s body and buried it, and they cried a lot for him.

Saul made trouble for the Christians

But Saul and his friends started making a lot of trouble for the Christians in Jerusalem. They went into the houses of Christians and dragged out the men and women, and locked them up in jail. Saul and his men were trying to finish up the Christian people. So a lot of those Christians ran away from Jerusalem to Judea country, and to Samaria country. But Jesus’s 12 special workers stayed in Jerusalem.

Radiant New Testament        Saul had agreed that Stephen should die.

The Church Is Attacked and Scattered

On that day an attack began against the church in Jerusalem. The believers, except for the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly people buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. He went from house to house and dragged out men and women and put them in prison.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  Then some men who revered God buried Stephen's body in a tomb, and they mourned greatly and loudly for him. On that same day people started severely persecuting the believers who were living in Jerusalem. So most of the believers fled to other places throughout the provinces of Judea and Samaria. The apostles remained in Jerusalem. While they were killing Stephen, Saul was there approving that they should kill Stephen. So Saul also began trying to destroy the group of believers. He entered houses one by one, he dragged away men and women who believed in Jesus, and then he put them into prison.

Williams’ New Testament      Saul heartily approved of his being put to death. So on that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all of them, except the apostles, were scattered over Judea and Samaria. Some devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation for him. But Saul continued to harass the church, and by going from house to house and dragging off men and women he continued to put them into prison.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          Well at the time, Saul actually approved of murdering him.

On that same day, a tremendous amount of persecution started to be directed towards the congregation in JeruSalem; so everyone (except the Apostles) was scattered throughout the area of Judea and Samaria. However, some devoted men [took the time to] carry Stephen’s [body] out to be buried, and they wept bitterly over him.

[It was then that] Saul started wiping out the congregation [in JeruSalem]. He invaded one house after another, dragging out both the men and the women and sending them to jail.

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            Saul was agreeing that his execution was good. In that day a huge persecution happened on the assembly in Greater Jerusalem. Everyone was scattered throughout the rural areas of Judea and Samaria, other than the missionaries. Together devoted men carried Stephen to his burial, and they did a huge beating of chests in grief over him. Saul was wreaking havoc on the assembly. Traveling into each house and dragging out men and women, he was turning them in for jail.

Common English Bible           Saul was in full agreement with Stephen’s murder.

The church scatters

At that time, the church in Jerusalem began to be subjected to vicious harassment. Everyone except the apostles was scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Some pious men buried Stephen and deeply grieved over him. Saul began to wreak havoc against the church. Entering one house after another, he would drag off both men and women and throw them into prison.

Len Gane Paraphrase           Saul was in full agreement for his death. At that time great persecution arose against the church which is at Jerusalem, and they were scattered about throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria except for the apostles. Some devout men carried Stephen [to be buried] and had great mourning over him. But as for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house and hauling off men and women and put them in prison.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles And Saul was well pleased with his slaughter. And at that time there was a great persecution against the congregation in Jerusalem; and they were all dispersed through the regions of Judea, and Samaria, except the Apostles. And devout men carried away Stephen, and made great lamentation for him. But Saul made havoc of the congregation, entering into houses, and dragging men and whom, whom he committed to prison.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       The church in Jerusalem was much persecuted at this time, and all except the apostles were scattered about over the countryside of Judaea and Samaria. Stephen was buried by devout men, who mourned greatly over him. Saul, meanwhile, was making havoc of the church; he made his way into house after house, carrying men and women off and committing them to prison.

NT for Everyone                     Now Saul was giving his consent to Stephen’s death.

That very day a great persecution was started against the church in Jerusalem. Everyone except the apostles was scattered through the lands of Judaea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen, and made a great lamentation over him. But Saul was doing great damage to the church by going from one house to another, dragging off men and women and throwing them into prison.

20^th Century New Testament Saul approved of his being put to death. On that very day a great persecution broke out against the Church which was in Jerusalem; and its members, with the exception of the Apostles, were all scattered over the districts of Judea and Samaria. Some religious men buried Stephen, with loud lamentations for him. But Saul began to devastate the Church; he entered house after house, dragged out men and women alike, and threw them into prison.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Berean Study Bible                And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 

God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. 

But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

Christian Standard Bible        Saul the Persecutor

Saul agreed with putting him to death.

On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. Saul, however, was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison.

Conservapedia Translation    Saul agreed to his execution, and the Christians of Jerusalem were direly persecuted, just as those in the lands of Judaea and Samaria, though not the apostles. Faithful men carried Stephen to be buried, and wept over his body. But Saul acted tyrannically toward the church, dragging Christians from every house to throw them in prison, so the men scattered across the lands traveled preaching the gospel. V. 4 is included for context.

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                The First Missionaries.

And Saul concurred in his murder. Just then a violent persecution broke out against the assembly which existed at Jerusalem; and, with the exception of the apostles, they were all scattered through the villages of Judea and Samaria.

But some pious men took up the body of Stephen, and the mourning over him was great.

Saul, however, played havoc with the church; searching house by house he dragged out both men and women, and imprisoned them.

Free Bible Version                 Saul agreed that Stephen had to be killed. On that very day terrible persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and everyone except for the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. (Some faithful followers of God buried Stephen, with great mourning). But Saul set about destroying the church, going from house to house, dragging both men and women off to prison.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           Saul had pleasure in his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the congregation which was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Jewry and Samaria, except the Apostles. Then devout men dressed Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. But Saul made havoc of the congregation, entering into every house, and drew out both man and woman and thrust them into prison.

International Standard V        The Church is Scattered

Now Saul heartily approved of putting Stephen [Lit. him] to death. That day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and everyone except for the apostles was scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria.

Devout men buried Stephen as they mourned loudly for him.

But Saul kept trying to destroy the church. Going into one house after another, he began dragging off men and women and throwing them in prison.

Montgomery NT                     With these words he fell asleep. And Saul fully approved of his murder. On this very day there broke out a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostle were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentations over him. But Saul was laying waste the church. He was wont to enter into every house, and to drag off men and women, and to commit them to prison.

NIV, ©2011                             And Saul approved of their killing him.

The Church Persecuted and Scattered

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.

Riverside New Testament      SAUL also approved of their putting him to death. On that day arose a great persecution of the church in Jerusalem. All except the apostles were scattered through Judaea and Samaria. Pious men carried Stephen away for burial and made great lamentation over him. Saul cruelly hounded the church from house to house, entering and dragging out men and women and handing them over into prison.

Urim-Thummim Version         And Saul was consenting to his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the ekklesia that was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the Apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made ruin of the ekklesia, entering into every house and dragging men and women and committing them to prison.

Weymouth New Testament    And Saul fully approved of his murder. At this time a great persecution broke out against the Church in Jerusalem, and all except the Apostles were scattered throughout Judaea and Samaria. A party of devout men, however, buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul cruelly harassed the Church. He went into house after house, and, dragging off both men and women, threw them into prison.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     • Saul was there, approving his murder. This was the beginning of a great persecution against the Church in Jerusalem. All, except the apostles, were scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. Saul mean while was trying to destroy the Church; he entered house after house and dragged off men and women and had them put in jail.

11:19

22:4; 1Cor 15:9; Gal 1:13; Phil 3:6

Footnote for Acts 8:1 has been placed in the Addendum.

The Heritage Bible                          And Saul was thinking well of himself at killing him. And in that day a great persecution was caused to be upon the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

And devout men together carried Stephen to his burial, and made a great mourning over him.

And Saul ravaged the church, entering house by house, dragging both men and women, he gave them over to prison.

New American Bible (2011)   Now Saul was consenting to his execution.^a

Persecution of the Church.*

On that day, 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.^b

* [8:1–40] Some idea of the severity of the persecution that now breaks out against the Jerusalem community can be gathered from Acts 22:4 and Acts 26:9–11. Luke, however, concentrates on the fortunes of the word of God among people, indicating how the dispersal of the Jewish community resulted in the conversion of the Samaritans (Acts 8:4–17, 25). His narrative is further expanded to include the account of Philip’s acceptance of an Ethiopian (Acts 8:26–39).

* [8:1] All were scattered…except the apostles: this observation leads some modern scholars to conclude that the persecution was limited to the Hellenist Christians and that the Hebrew Christians were not molested, perhaps because their attitude toward the law and temple was still more in line with that of their fellow Jews (see the charge leveled against the Hellenist Stephen in Acts 6:13–14). Whatever the facts, it appears that the Twelve took no public stand regarding Stephen’s position, choosing, instead, to await the development of events.

* [8:3] Saul…was trying to destroy the church: like Stephen, Saul was able to perceive that the Christian movement contained the seeds of doctrinal divergence from Judaism. A pupil of Gamaliel, according to Acts 22:3, and totally dedicated to the law as the way of salvation (Gal 1:13–14), Saul accepted the task of crushing the Christian movement, at least insofar as it detracted from the importance of the temple and the law. His vehement opposition to Christianity reveals how difficult it was for a Jew of his time to accept a messianism that differed so greatly from the general expectation.

a. [8:1] 22:20.

b. [8:3] 9:1, 13; 22:4; 26:9–11; 1 Cor 5:9; Gal 1:13.

New Catholic Bible                 The Church Becomes Open to the Gentiles.^[a] Saul approved of his death. That day marked the beginning of a severe persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, and everyone except the apostles scattered to the country districts of Judea and Samaria. Stephen was buried by devout men who made loud lamentations over him. Saul, meanwhile, began to inflict great harm on the Church. He entered house after house, dragging off men and women and sending them to prison.

[a] The Hellenist Christians are driven out of Jerusalem. Their dispersion proceeds in an underground manner throughout the narrative until the moment when we will encounter a list of people who emigrate to Cyprus and Antioch. There, for the first time, the Church is opened to Gentiles (Acts 11:9ff). During this period, Luke shows the Gospel spreading to Samaria, Gaza, and the coast as far as Caesarea, Damascus in Syria, and Tarsus. The Gospel is received by many different cultures and people: the Pharisean persecutor, the functionary, the peasant of the plain of Sharon, the notable rich of Joppa, the artisan, the army, and the non-Jewish Greeks of Antioch.

Luke presents Paul under the somber traits of persecutor; once he becomes an apostle, Paul will remain marked by the memory of the time when he wanted to obstruct the path of the infant Gospel (see Acts 22:20; 26:10; 1 Cor 15:9; Gal 1:13, 23; Phil 3:6).

New Jerusalem Bible             Saul approved of the killing. That day a bitter persecution started against the church in Jerusalem, and everyone except the apostles scattered to the country districts of Judaea and Samaria. There were some devout people, however, who buried Stephen and made great mourning for him. Saul then began doing great harm to the church; he went from house to house arresting both men and women and sending them to prison.

Revised English Bible–1989   Saul was among those who approved of his execution.

The church in Judaea and Samaria

THAT day was the beginning of a time of violent persecution for the church in Jerusalem; and all except the apostles were scattered over the country districts of Judaea and Samaria.

Stephen was given burial by devout men, who made a great lamentation for him.

Saul, meanwhile, was harrying the church; he entered house after house, seizing men and women and sending them to prison.

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           At this, they began yelling at the top of their voices, so that they wouldn’t have to hear him; and with one accord, they rushed at him, threw him outside the city and began stoning him. And the witnesses laid down their coats at the feet of a young man named Sha’ul.

As they were stoning him, Stephen called out to God, “Lord Yeshua! Receive my spirit!” Then he kneeled down and shouted out, “Lord! Don’t hold this sin against them!” With that, he died; and Sha’ul gave his approval to his murder.

Starting with that day, there arose intense persecution against the Messianic Community in Yerushalayim; all but the emissaries were scattered throughout the regions of Y’hudah and Shomron. Some godly men buried Stephen and mourned him deeply. But Sha’ul set out to destroy the Messianic Community — entering house after house, he dragged off both men and women and handed them over to be put in prison. Acts 7:57–60 is included for context.

Hebraic Roots Bible               And Saul consented and participated in his murder. And in that day a great persecution took place on the assembly which was in Jerusalem; and all were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

And devout brethren buried Stephen and all made a great mourning over him.

Now Saul persecuted the congregation of YAHWEH while he entered homes and dragged away men and women. And he delivered them to prison.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    Some good men buried Stephen. They cried very loudly for him. On that day there was a fierce attack on the called out people in Jerusalem. Saul was also trying to destroy them. He even went into their homes. He dragged out men and women and put them in jail. All of the called out people had to leave Jerusalem; only the delegates stayed there. They all went to different places in Judea and Samaria.

The Scriptures 2009              And Sha’ul was giving approval to his death. And on that day there was a great persecution against the assembly which was at Yerushalayim, and they were all scattered throughout the countries of Yehuah and Shomeron, except the emissaries. 

And dedicated men buried Stephanos, and made great lamentation over him. 

But Sha’ul was ravaging the assembly, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, putting them in prison.

Tree of Life Version                Now Saul was in agreement with Stephen’s execution. On that day a great persecution arose against Messiah’s community in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samaria, except the emissaries.

Some devout men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.

But Saul was destroying Messiah’s community, entering house after house; and dragging off men and women, he was throwing them into prison.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       Saul but was Agreeing [with] the killing [of] him becomes but in that the day Persecution Great to the congregation the [one] in jerusalem* All [Men] but are scattered in the lands [of] the judea and [of] samaria except the delegates carry (together) but the stephen Men Devoted and [They] make beating great at him Saul but destroyed the congregation in the houses Entering Dragging also men and women [He] gave (over) {them} to guard...

Alpha & Omega Bible            SAULOS (Saul/Paul) WAS IN HEARTY AGREEMENT WITH PUTTING HIM TO DEATH. AND ON THAT DAY A GREAT PERSECUTION BEGAN AGAINST THE CONGREGATION OF CALLED OUT ONES IN JERUSALEM, AND THEY WERE ALL SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE REGIONS OF JUDEA AND SAMARIA, EXCEPT THE APOSTLES.

DEVOUT MEN BURIED STEPHEN, AND MADE LOUD LAMENTATION OVER HIM.

BUT SAULOS RAVAGED THE CONGREGATION OF CALLED OUT ONES, ENTERING HOUSE AFTER HOUSE, AND DRAGGING OFF MEN AND WOMEN, HE WOULD PUT THEM IN PRISON.

Awful Scroll Bible                   Then Saul was together-with- them, -deeming- it -good of his taking-out. Moreover from-within that day, there comes to be a great persecution upon they called-out, that were from-within Jerusalem, so as all are being thoroughly-scattered, throughout the regions of Judæa and Samaria, except the sent-out ones.

And well-received men together-carry- Stephen -away, and they make for themselves a great lamentation over him.

Furthermore, Saul was assailing they called-out, himself proceeding-in along down the houses, dragging off both men and women, he was giving- them -over-before the prison.

Concordant Literal Version    Yet Saul was endorsing his assassination. Now in that day there came to be a great persecution of the ecclesia which is in Jerusalem, and they were all dispersed among the districts of Judea and Samaria, save the apostles."

Yet pious men are Stephen's pallbearers, and they make a great grieving over him."

Now Saul devastated the ecclesia; going into the homes, dragging out both men and women, he gave them over to jail."

exeGeses companion Bible   ...- and Shaul well-approves his taking out.

FOURTH PERSECUTION

And so be it, in that day,

a mega persecution on the ecclesia in Yeru Shalem;

and they all thoroughly disperse

throughout the regions of Yah Hudah and Shomeron

- except the apostles.

And well-received men carry Stephanos

and make a mega chopping over him.

As for Shaul, he ravages the ecclesia

- entering every house,

and dragging men and women

and delivering them to the guardhouse.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           And Rav Sha'ul was giving approval to the murder of Stefanos. And there came about in that day a great pogrom keneged (against) the Brit Chadasha Kehillah in Yerushalayim, and everyone was scattered throughout the regions of Yehudah and Shomron except the Moshiach's Shlichim.

And chasidim came and gave kevurah (burial) to Stefanos and they made loud lamentation over him.

But Rav Sha'ul was making havoc of the Moshiach's Kehillah, barging in bais by bais, dragging off both anashim and nashim, and delivering them over to the beis hasohar.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B.                   § 14. New Persecution, headed by Saul of Tarsus.

Chapter 8.

And ||Saul|| was taking pleasure with them in his death. Moreover there aroseˎ in thatʹ dayˎ a great persecution against the assembly which was in Jerusalem; {and} ||all|| were scattered abroad throughout the countries of Judæa and Samaria, except the apostles. Howbeit reverent men assistedˎ at the burial of Stephen, and made great lamentation over him.

But ||Saul|| went on to lay waste the assembly, |along the houses| going in, and |dragging off both men and women| was delivering them up into prison.

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                Saul Persecutes the Church

Saul wholeheartedly approved of Stephen’s death.

And on that day a great and relentless persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem; and the believers were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. Some devout men buried Stephen, and ^[a]mourned greatly over him [expressing a personal sense of loss]. But Saul began ravaging the church [and assaulting believers]; entering house after house and dragging off men and women, putting them in prison.

[a] It was customary to hire professional mourners for most funerals to ensure that the deceased would be properly mourned, but those who mourned Stephen needed no such assistance because they expressed their own heartfelt grief.

The Expanded Bible              Saul ·agreed that the killing of Stephen was good [^L approved of his execution/death].

Troubles for the Believers

On that day the church of Jerusalem began to be persecuted, and all the believers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout [^L the countryside/regions of] Judea and Samaria [^C the southern and central regions of Israel].

And some ·religious [devout; pious; godly] ·people [or men] buried Stephen and ·cried loudly [or mourned deeply] for him. [^L But] Saul ·was also trying to destroy [or began harassing/mistreating/doing harm to] the church, going from house to house, dragging ·out [or off] men and women and putting them in ·jail [prison].

Jonathan Mitchell NT             Now on that day great persecution, pursuit and [D adds: pressure] was birthed (occurred) upon the called-out community [that was] within Jerusalem, so they were all – except for the sent-forth emissaries (representatives) [D*& 1175 add: who alone remained in Jerusalem] – dispersed and scattered as seeds down among the regions (or: territories) of Judea and Samaria.

So cautious but respected men joined together and collected Stephen and carried [him] in to be prepared for burial, and then they made a great lamentation (grieving and beating the chest) upon him (= at his situation and the loss of him).

Now Saul began devastating then continued laying waste and bringing havoc to the called-out community, repeatedly making his way into and invading one house after another. Constantly dragging away and pulling along both men and women by force, he routinely handed [them] over into prison (or: jail).

P. Kretzmann Commentary    Verses 1-3

The Gospel Planted in Samaria.

The burial of Stephen and the hatred of Saul:

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

As for Saul, he made havoc of the Church, entering into every house, and, haling men and women, committed them to prison.

Kretzmann’s commentary for Acts 8:1–3 has been placed in the Addendum.

Syndein/Thieme                     And Saul was consenting unto his {Stephen's} death. And there came to pass a great persecution against the church that was at Jerusalem. And they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

{Note: Saul was happy with the death of Stephen. From this we know Saul was part of the persecution and possibly was one of its leaders. From the persecution, Christianity started to spread from Jerusalem.}

And devout men carried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him.

{Note: devout is a compound word in the Greek meaning to 'receive something good' - doctrine.}

As for Saul, he made havoc {devastated} of the church, entering into every house, and dragged forcibly men and women from their homes and kept on committing them to prison.

Translation for Translators     Then some men who revered God buried Stephen’s body in a tomb, and they mourned greatly and loudly for him.

On that same day people started severely persecuting the believers who were living in Jerusalem. So most of the believers fled to other places throughout Judea and Samaria provinces. The apostles were the only believers who remained in Jerusalem. While the people were killing Stephen, Saul was there approving of their killing Stephen. So Saul also began trying to destroy the group of believers. He entered houses one by one, he dragged away men and women who believed in Jesus, and then he arranged for them to be put in prison.

The Voice                               Some devout men buried Stephen and mourned his passing with loud cries of grief. But Saul, this young man who seemed to be supervising the whole violent event, was pleased by Stephen’s death. That very day, the whole church in Jerusalem began experiencing severe persecution. All of the followers of Jesus—except for the emissaries [Literally, apostles] themselves—fled to the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Young Saul went on a rampage—hunting the church, house after house, dragging both men and women to prison.

Bible Translations with a Lot of Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Saul Attempts to Destroy the Church

And Saul was agreeing with his murder. Now there happened on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul was attempting to destroy the church. Entering house after house, [Literally “from house” to house ] he dragged off both men and women and [*Here “and ” is supplied because the previous participle (“dragged off”) has been translated as a finite verb] delivered them [*Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation] to prison.

NET Bible®                             Saul Begins to Persecute the Church

Now on that day a great¹⁸ persecution began¹⁹ against the church in Jerusalem,²⁰ and all²¹ except the apostles were forced to scatter throughout the regions²² of Judea and Samaria. Some²³ devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation²⁴ over him.²⁵ But Saul was trying to destroy²⁶ the church; entering one house after another, he dragged off²⁷ both men and women and put them in prison.²⁸

^18tn Or “severe.”

^19tn Grk “Now there happened on that day a great persecution.” It is less awkward to say in English “Now on that day a great persecution began.”

^20map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.

^21sn All. Given that the Jerusalem church is still active after this and that the Hellenists are the focus of Acts 6-8, it is possible to argue that only the Hellenistic Christians were forced to scatter.

^22tn Or “countryside.”

^23tn “Some” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.

^24sn Made loud lamentation. For someone who was stoned to death, lamentation was normally not allowed (m. Sanhedrin 6:6). The remark points to an unjust death.

^25tn Or “mourned greatly for him.”

^26tn Or “began to harm [the church] severely.” If the nuance of this verb is “destroy,” then the imperfect verb ἐλυμαίνετο (elumaineto) is best translated as a conative imperfect as in the translation above. If instead the verb is taken to mean “injure severely” (as L&N 20.24), it should be translated in context as an ingressive imperfect (“began to harm the church severely”). Either option does not significantly alter the overall meaning, since it is clear from the stated actions of Saul in the second half of the verse that he intended to destroy or ravage the church.

^27tn The participle σύρων (surwn) has been translated as an finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.

^28tn BDAG 762 s.v. παραδίδωμι 1.b has “εἰς φυλακ ν put in prison Ac 8:3.”

The Spoken English NT         Saul Persecutes the Community of Believers
Now, Saul was in agreement with Stephen’s murder. And a huge persecution started that day in Jerusalem against the community. And everyone but the apostles got scattered throughout the countryside^a of Judea^b and Samaria.^c Meanwhile,^d some devout men buried Stephen, crying loudly as they mourned for him.^e And Saul was devastating the community. He was going house to house, dragging out men and women, and putting them in prison.

^a.Lit. “amongst the regions.”

^b.Prn. joo-dee-a.

^c.Prn. sam-merr-ee-a.

^d.Lit. “And.”

^e.Lit. “…buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him.”

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Under persecution the Church moves out
At that time a major persecution arose against the church that was in Jerusalem, so all, except the Apostles, were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.

(Devout men had buried Stephen and made a great lamentation over him.)

As for Saul, he was trying to destroy the Church; invading house after house and dragging away both men and women, he was putting them in prison.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

An Understandable Version   And Saul was in full agreement with Stephen being put to death. And a great persecution broke out against the Jerusalem church, and all the disciples, except the apostles, were scattered throughout the districts of Judea and Samaria. The godly men who buried Stephen’s body mourned over his loss very deeply. But Saul brought devastation to the church by entering everyone’s house and dragging men and women off to jail.

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Even Saul was an ardent supporter [cheered from the sidelines] of his death. Then on that same day, a great persecution began to occur against the assembly [remnant of believing Jews] in Jerusalem, and all [primarily those who were meeting together in homes and gardens] were scattered throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Meanwhile, devout men [God-fearing, remnant of Israel] buried Stephen and expressed a loud lamentation [mourning] over him.

But Saul continued to inflict damage on the assembly [remnant of Jewish believers] by entering houses and committing men and women to prison after dragging them away.

Charles Thomson NT             Now Saul continued to express satisfaction at his death: and there was at that time a great persecution against the congregation which was at Jerusalem; and all, except the apostles, were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria.

While devout men were carrying Stephen to the grave and making great lamentation for him,

Saul was making havock of the congregation. Entering into houses and dragging out men and women, he committed them to prison.

Far Above All Translation       And Saul was consentient to his execution. And it came to pass on that day that there was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and all were scattered among the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Then devout men carried Stephen away to burial and made much lamentation over him.

But Saul ravaged the church, going into one house after another, and dragging men and women out he delivered them into prison.

Modern Literal Version 2020  Now Saul was consenting to the assassination of him.
Now a great persecution happened in that day upon the congregation* which was in Jerusalem, and they were all dispersed throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, other-than the apostles.

Now devout men entombed Stephen and made* a great lamentation over him.

Now Saul was devastating the congregation* of believers, traveling into every one of the houses and dragging men and women away, he was giving them up to prison.

New Matthew Bible                Saul had pleasure in Stephen’s death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the congregation that was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Then devout men arranged Stephen’s burial, and made great lamentation over him. But Saul made havoc of the congregation, and entered into every house, and drew out both men and women, and thrust them into prison.

The gist of this passage:     Stephen is buried and Saul is persecuting Christians all over.

Translation: Saul continued being pleased with [Stephen’s] murder.

Quite a number of translations place this portion of v. 1 with the previous chapter, in one way or another.

The murder of Stephen was very good news to Saul. Previously, the Romans did not allow the religious types to persecute the men they hated to kill them. However, the crucifixion of Jesus was possibly such that, the Romans did not really want to involve themselves in any way with the religious disputes. Not sure if this just took place in Jerusalem, but it appears that the religious hierarchy was given a freer hand when it came to persecuting those they disagreed with.

I don’t know exactly how this took place. I am sure that it was not legislation or a decree. Perhaps a message was delivered from Pilate to the chief priest saying, “We refuse to become involved in your petty religious disputes. You need to solve them yourselves.” Bear in mind, this is only speculation on my part, but there does not appear to be any hesitation when it came to killing Stephen. See Acts 7 (HTML) (PDF) (WPD).

Although many translations say that Saul gave approval to the killing of Stephen, the word is suneudokéō (συνευδοκέω) [pronounced soon-you-dohk-EH-oh], which means, being pleased (together with, at the same time with), approving together (with others); consenting, agreeing to, giving assent to. Strong’s #4909. I believe that the idea is, Saul was pleased to see that such a free hand was given to the religious types to stamp out this heresy that seemed to be running wild in Jerusalem.

Translation: So in that day, great persecution came to the church in Jerusalem.

Because of what took place in the trial and murder of Stephen, a great persecution began in Jerusalem, where they went after the believers there. For whatever reason, the religious Jews decided that they could destroy their opposition, without fear of Roman reprisal.

Translation: [The various groups] scattered to the regions of Judah and Samaria, except for the Apostles.

As a result of this persecution, people from various groups scattered themselves into the regions of Judah and Samaria. This does not mean that every believer left Jerusalem (that did not happen, as there continue to be believers in Jerusalem at least to a.d. 67.

The Apostles remained together in Jerusalem as a group. This was probably not what God wanted them to do. God would have preferred for them to move out further from Jerusalem and to evangelize other areas. Nevertheless, some of the believers in Jerusalem moved to other regions and they would talk about Jesus there, wherever they ended up.

Acts 8:1 Saul continued being pleased with [Stephen’s] murder. So in that day, great persecution came to the church in Jerusalem. [The various groups] scattered to the regions of Judah and Samaria, except for the Apostles. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

We do not know all of the details, but the religious hierarchy appears to have been given the chance to get rid of their religious rivals. Stephen was first.