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The Acts of the Apostles
This book, which, from the first ages, hath been called, The Acts of the Apostles, is not to be considered as a history of what was done by all the Apostles, who were dispersed into different nations; but only a short view of the first establishment of the Christian Church. A part of the preaching and action of St. Peter are related in the first twelve chapters; and a particular account of St. Paul's apostolical labours in the subsequent chapters. It was written by St. Luke the Evangelist, and the original in Greek. Its history commences from the Ascension of Christ our Lord and ends in the year sixty-three, being a brief account of the Church for the space of about thirty years. (For more information, see the article ACTS OF THE APOSTLES in the Catholic Encyclopedia.)
Chapter 1. The ascension of Christ. Matthias is chosen in place of Judas.
Chapter 2. The disciples receive the Holy Ghost. Peter's sermon to the people. The piety of the first converts.
Chapter 3. The miracle upon the lame man, followed by the conversion of many.
Chapter 4. Peter and John are apprehended. Their constancy. The church is increased.
Chapter 5. The judgment of God upon Ananias and Saphira. The apostles are cast into prison.
Chapter 6. The ordination of the seven deacons. The zeal of Stephen.
Chapter 7. Stephen's speech before the council. His martyrdom.
Chapter 8. Philip converts the Samaritans and baptizes the eunuch.
Chapter 9. Paul's conversion and zeal. Peter heals Eneas and raises up Tabitha to life.
Chapter 10. Cornelius is received into the church. Peter's vision.
Chapter 11. Peter defends his having received the Gentiles into the church.
Chapter 12. Herod's persecution. Peter's deliverance by an angel. Herod's punishment.
Chapter 13. Saul and Barnabas are sent forth by the Holy Ghost. They preach in Cyprus and in Antioch of Pisidia.
Chapter 14. Paul and Barnabas preach in Iconium and Lystra. Paul heals a cripple. They are taken for gods. Paul is stoned. They preach in Derbe and Perge.
Chapter 15. A dissension about circumcision. The decision and letter of the council of Jerusalem.
Chapter 16. Paul visits the churches. He is called to preach in Macedonia. He is scourged at Philippi.
Chapter 17. Paul preaches to the Thessalonians and Bereans. His discourse to the Athenians.
Chapter 18. Paul founds the church of Corinth and preaches at Ephesus and in other places. Apollo goes to Corinth.
Chapter 19. Paul establishes the church at Ephesus. The tumult of the silversmiths.
Chapter 20. Paul passes through Macedonia and Greece. He raises a dead man to life at Troas. His discourse to the clergy of Ephesus.
Chapter 21. Paul goes up to Jerusalem. He is apprehended by the Jews in the temple.
Chapter 22. Paul declares to the people the history of his conversion. He escapes scourging by claiming the privilege of a Roman citizen.
Chapter 23. Paul stands before the council. The Jews conspire his death. He is sent away to Cesarea.
Chapter 24. Paul defends his innocence before Felix the governor. He preaches the faith to him.
Chapter 25. Paul appeals to Caesar. King Agrippa desires to hear him.
Chapter 26. Paul gives an account to Agrippa of his life, conversion and calling.
Chapter 27. Paul is shipped for Rome. His voyage and shipwreck.
Chapter 28. Paul, after three months' stay in Melita, continues his voyage and arrives at Rome. His conference there with the Jews.
