The Bible itself is a reliable source for information about Biblical things. That is we can reliably refer to the Bible for information about itself. We can cross-reference information with other internal sources and usually get the picture as to what is being said. Also, all the sciences are proving the truths spelled out in the Bible. Here the persecuted Jews fled Jerusalem and were going about teaching. We find though that the Spirit was not just simply following them falling on the new believers. It is my contention that the apostles were the only ones to actually pass on the gift and the baptism of the Spirit only occurred rarely to show God's signs. The church of Christ was established with signs and wonders. We don't need to establish the church in these last days thus we don't need signs and wonders. We have the witness of the written word.

Vs.1-4, The Jewish Christians were trying to find safety away from the persecution. Jesus told His followers "when they persecute you in one city flee to the next," (Matt. 10:23).  They would be explaining to the people where they were fleeing to why they had come there. That way they were explaining Jesus to the people, as they traveled.
    Persecution is coming. It is inevitable. Will we be ready or will we be ill prepare? What will it take for us to go out and about preaching the word of God?
Vs.5 So many places needed the gospel of Jesus Christ at that time, just as today. Samaria were half breeds, part Jew part mix with the Gentiles.
Vs.6 Phillip was the only one in Samaria doing these kind of signs and wonders. The signs and wonders were being done to prove that the word spoken by Phillip was from God that the Church might be established.
John 20:30, Heb. 2:4, Acts 2:22,  (witness/attest)
Vs.7 Somehow they could tell that the evil spirits were being cast out. They could see that this was not just people with a limp or a lisp being healed. These people were severely crippled without limbs, being healed.
Vs.8 There was much joy because;
1. People were being healed no matter what.
2. Salvation was being preached in the name Jesus Christ. It was a faith not works salvation. That is not the works of the law or of miracles.
Vs. 9-10 This sorcerer was doing great signs to promote himself. Satan has some limited power.
Illustration: Ben Alexander's book "Out From Darkness" tells how the true sorcerers work true works of darkness.
Simon had power but not true Godly power.