We invite you to learn more about the book of Acts of the Apostles (Greek, Praxeis Apostolon) and the early Christian church of the New Testament. The book is commonly referred to as Acts by most people. Some scholars have suggested the title to be interpreted as "the Acts of the Holy Spirit."

The book's plan is stated in the opening verses, where Christ says, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

Tradition says Luke, a Greek physician, wrote the book of Acts sometime before Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in the year A.D. 70. Luke, the historian and theologian, describes the apostolic age and how the early Christian church developed in a time of bitter persecution. Luke was not so much concerned to record exactly what happened, as to justify the Gentile mission to both Christians uneasy about it and pagans interested in it.

Acts continues the story began in Luke's Gospel, covering the 30 years after Jesus' ascension. In that short time the church was established and the gospel of salvation was taken throughout the known world--from Jerusalem to Rome. Those preaching the gospel, through ordinary people with human limitations, were empowered by the Holy Spirit to turn the world "upside down."

Through the book of Acts, we learn about the nature of the church and how we today are also to witness for Christ. As you read Acts, put yourself in the place of the disciples who were filled with the Holy Spirit and saw people respond to the good news. And sense their strong commitment as they offered their talent and treasure to Christ.