Acts

Stephen, the first Christian Martyr.

Jesus ascended into heaven and left instructions for his disciples to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth. He promised them a helper and the book of Acts is the story of the birth of the church, the arrival of the Holy Spirit, (the helper) and the acts of the apostles. It is an account of the fearless exploits of the once timid disciples who at times just didn't seem to 'get it' when Jesus was trying to show them who he was and what his kingdom was all about. We also have the dramatic conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. He was transformed from the worst persecutor of Christians, to one of their greatest missionaries ever. The latter part of the book is dedicated to Paul's (Saul) missionary journeys and great number of converts under his preaching.

Impressions: If Christ's body had been stolen, rather than resurrected, like many claim, and Christianity is a hoax, it seems rather strange that these men would be so zealous and be willing to die for the cause. It would also be strange that they would be able to do miracles like Jesus promised them, were it all a hoax. There is no doubt that these Christians were upsetting the Jews, or at least the ones who did not accept the message. They were persecuted and imprisoned, beaten and reviled by the Jews, and the Roman governors were perplexed because there were no laws being broken. This whole idea of Christianity should have fizzled, unless there was something to it.

Readability: 4 1/2 stars