King Herod begins persecuting the church, killing James and imprisoning Peter. An angel miraculously frees Peter from prison. Herod later dies after being struck by an angel for his pride. The church continues to grow.

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Peter explains to the Jerusalem church how God has granted repentance to the Gentiles. The church in Antioch grows, and Barnabas is sent to encourage the new believers. Saul joins Barnabas in teaching the church in Antioch, where believers are first called Christians.

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Peter receives a vision about clean and unclean animals, symbolizing that the gospel is for all people. He then shares the message of Jesus with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household, who receive the Holy Spirit and are baptized.

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Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus and is converted. He begins preaching the gospel, astonishing many. Meanwhile, Peter performs miracles in Lydda and Joppa, including raising Tabitha from the dead.

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Persecution forces the believers to scatter, but Philip preaches in Samaria with great success. Simon the sorcerer tries to buy the power of the Holy Spirit but is rebuked. Philip also shares the gospel with an Ethiopian eunuch, who believes and is baptized.

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Stephen gives a powerful defense of his faith before the Sanhedrin, recounting Israel’s history and accusing the Jewish leaders of resisting God. Enraged, they stone him to death, making him the first Christian martyr.

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As the church grows, a dispute arises between Greek and Hebrew widows over food distribution. Seven men, including Stephen, are appointed to handle this ministry. Stephen, full of faith and power, performs miracles and preaches, angering some who accuse him of blasphemy.

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Ananias and Sapphira lie about their donation to the apostles and are struck dead as a result. The apostles continue to perform miracles, and though they are arrested, an angel frees them. They continue preaching despite threats from the authorities.

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Peter and John are arrested for preaching about Jesus, but they boldly testify before the Sanhedrin. After being released, they return to the believers who pray for boldness. The early church continues to grow, sharing possessions and living in unity.

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Peter and John heal a crippled beggar at the temple gate, and Peter uses the opportunity to preach about Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, urging people to repent and turn to God for forgiveness.

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