Acts 8

"Then they lay began laying hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit" (v17). The apostles' authority was evident; Jesus had truly sent them in His name. Wherever they went, men and women believed in Christ, were healed, and received the Holy Spirit. The ex-sorcerer Simon tried to buy this incredible power (v19). However, this power did not prevent Stephen from being martyred, nor did it prevent the believers from being cast into prison or exiled.

Being baptized in Jesus' name was (and is) risky. Believers were willing to give up earthly security in order to gain real Life.