The book of Acts is the first chronicle of the church to survey events from the time of Jesus' ascension in Jerusalem to Paul's arrival in Rome. Paul Walaskay understands Luke to have been both historian and theologian and here shows how Luke invites the reader to see historical events in a much larger context - in light of God's plan for the salvation of all people. Walaskay discusses Luke's description of the early church, its leaders and leadership, and its struggles to grow as a people of God amid competing religious and philosophical claims. In the process, he helps the reader to understand Luke's contemporaries and examine messages from the first-century church in light of issues people face today.