Acts 8:1–25 details the events leading up to and around the arrival of the gospel in Samaria. Stephen’s death proves to be a catalyst of sorts1 that results in Christian believers leaving the city of Jerusalem and travelling into the surrounding towns and villages of Judea. Amongst them is Philip, who travels to an unknown city in Samaria where he will preach and work miracles resulting in the conversion of many.
The expansion of the gospel into Samaria was a groundbreaking event at the time. The Jews hated the Samaritans and considered them to be socially inferior and religiously impure. The conversion of Samaritans and the visible coming of the Spirit served to confirm that they were equal in the sight of God and that there must not be any discrimination against them.
Along with challenging contemporary thinking about Samaritans and their place amongst God’s people, the details given by Luke also address the matter of magic. In the pagan world around Israel, incantations and magical spells were commonplace. They were an attempt to influence the supernatural
for one's own advantage. Various individuals would offer their services in return for money. In the conversion of Simon and the corresponding rebuke from Peter, it is made clear that there is no place for such superstition in God’s church.
1 And Saul approved of his execution.And there arose 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.