Acts

The book of Acts begins with Jesus' appearance to the apostles after his resurrection, giving them instructions to wait for the Holy Spirit and to be his witnesses. The Holy Spirit descends on the apostles on the day of Pentecost, and Peter preaches to the crowd, resulting in the baptism of about 3,000 people. The apostles perform signs and wonders, and the church grows rapidly. Peter and John are arrested and released, and Stephen is stoned after his speech to the council. Saul, a persecutor of Christians, is converted on the road to Damascus and becomes a key figure in the spread of Christianity. The apostles and other believers, including Philip and Paul, travel to various cities, preaching and performing miracles, and the church grows among both Jews and Gentiles. The Jerusalem council decides that Gentiles do not need to be circumcised to be saved, and Paul and Barnabas are sent on a missionary journey. Paul travels to various cities, including Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth, preaching and establishing churches. He is arrested and imprisoned several times, but continues to preach and defend himself before various authorities. Eventually, Paul appeals to be tried by Caesar and is sent to Rome, where he is imprisoned for two years, but continues to preach and teach about Jesus Christ without hindrance.