As the early believers were persecuted by Saul in Jerusalem, many of them scattered to nearby regions. As they went, they preached the gospel to those they encountered. Philip, one of the early deacons, found himself in Samaria, where he preached Christ to a people captivated by the work of a magician named Simon. Looking at this text, we learned that the good news of the kingdom of God is for both the deceived audience and the deceiving magician, but in order for either to be liberated the gospel must be shared with them. We are challenged to enjoy Christ himself, but we are also asked to share his love with friend and enemy as redeemed messengers for our Savior.