Thompson's study offers a fresh reading of Acts that keeps the church within its literary place within that narrative. His study uncovers descriptions of the church that emphasize certain characteristics presented in the opening scenes of the narrative: the blessing and presence of God, the unanimity of the believers, the communal caring for one another, and the proclamation of the gospel. The progression of the Acts narrative presents an evolving image of the church that eventually includes both Jewish and non-Jewish believers of the gospel, with growing opposition from the Jewish people and