Acts 8 recounts significant events in the early church, focusing on the spread of the Gospel amidst persecution. Here’s a summary:

1. Persecution and Scattering: Following Stephen's martyrdom, a wave of persecution led by Saul breaks out against the church in Jerusalem. Many believers are scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, but they continue to preach the Gospel.

2. Philip in Samaria: Philip, one of the seven deacons, goes to Samaria and shares the message of Christ. His preaching leads to many conversions, and he performs miraculous signs, including healing the sick and casting out demons. The city experiences great joy as people respond to the message.

3. Simon the Sorcerer: Among those who believe is Simon, a sorcerer who had amazed the people with his magic. After witnessing Philip’s miracles, he is baptized. However, he later tries to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, prompting a strong rebuke from Peter, who warns him about the seriousness of his intentions.

4. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch: The Holy Spirit directs Philip to the road from Jerusalem to Gaza, where he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading from the book of Isaiah. Philip explains the Scripture, leading the eunuch to faith in Christ. After baptizing him, Philip is miraculously transported to another location, continuing his ministry elsewhere.

Overall, Acts 8 highlights the resilience of the early church, the transformative power of the Gospel, and the expanding mission beyond Jerusalem, showing how God uses adversity to advance His purposes.