Acts of the Apostles

The Acts of the Apostles, (Greek Praxeis Apostolon) is a book of the Bible, which now stands fifth in the New Testament. It is commonly referred to as simply Acts.

Related Topics:
Bible - New Testament

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Acts is, generally speaking, a historical account of the early years of the church. It focuses mainly on the activities of Peter and Paul. It records the history of the Jerusalem Church as led by James the Just from its inception with about 120 members (1:15) composed of Jews and Proselytes, to Peter baptizing Cornelius (10:44) who is traditionally considered the first Gentile convert, to the Council of Jerusalem (15), to James challenging Paul on the rumor that he aims to subvert the Law of Moses (21:18), to Paul's arrest in Jerusalem.

Related Topics:
Peter - Paul - James the Just - Jews - Proselyte - Cornelius - Gentile - Council of Jerusalem - Law of Moses

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Internal evidence shows that it was the companion and sequel of the Gospel of Luke (for instance, they are both addressed to Theophilus, which means "God-lover"); its separation from that gospel occurred prior to any surviving manuscript. Historically it is of unique interest and value: there is no other book like it within the New Testament or outside it. It is the main ancient Church history; apart from it a connected picture of the Apostolic Age would be impossible. With it, Paul's letters are of priceless historical value; without it, they would be incomplete or even misleading.

Related Topics:
Gospel of Luke - Theophilus - Gospel - Church - Apostolic Age

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