Includes bibliographical references (p. 249-280) and index.

Introduction -- Ancient narratives, characterization, and the Acts of the Apostles -- Ancient narrative texts, readers, and the reading process reading characters in ancient narratives characterization and the Acts of the Apostles -- The Jerusalem church as narrative character (Acts 1:18:3) -- The earliest Christians after Jesus' ascension (Acts 1:12-26) --The gathered believers and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) -- The community of believers and the aftermath of the Pentecost events (Acts 2:42-47) -- The praying believers after initial persecution (Acts 4:23-31) -- The community of believers after persecution and divine affirmation (Acts 4:32-37) --