Paul gives his testimony to King Agrippa, Festus and others. They react against what he tells them but do not think he has done anything illegal but Paul has claimed the right to be tried by Caesar.

The story of Paul in Jerusalem is continued. Paul is allowed to address the crowd and tells the story of his conversion. The crowd listens and then rise up against him. The Romans imprison him and threaten punishment until Paul claims his Roman citizenship.

Herod Agrippa attacked the leadership of the Church. He executed James the brother of John and imprisoned Peter under heavy guard. An angel led Peter out of the prison. He visited the church who were praying together and then left Jerusalem. An angel carried out God's judgement on Herod Agrippa and he died.  

Following the martyrdom of Stephen, Saul led the persecution of the church in Jerusalem and many Christians left and went to Judea and Samaria. Philip begins his work as an evangelist and many Samaritans believe.

Stephen answered the charges against him by reminding the Sanhedrin of their history and that at every point the Jews had resisted God - just as they had done, when they rejected him. In an emotional response, Stephen was stoned to death becoming the first Christian martyr.

One of the chosen seven men, began preaching in the Temple and synagogues. There was opposition from the hearers and he was forced to appear before the Sanhedrin to face trumped up charges.

One of the most important aspects of church community life is their care for the poor and specifically here, widows. Seven men were elected to oversee this more organised giving to the poor. A summary statement expresses the growth of the church and its spread despite setbacks.