The book of Acts has traditionally been viewed as the birth and growth of the church, the body of Christ. This amazing book certainly includes these things, but not in the way that most believers think. In this commentary, the author proposes that the primary purpose of Acts is to document the nation Israel’s rejection of God’s plan for her and subsequent downfall. A secondary purpose of Acts is to show God’s turning to the Gentiles, and the amazing ministry of God’s apostle to the Gentiles, Paul. This will be covered in future volumes. This first volume expounds the unfolding ministry of Peter and the apostles as they offer the kingdom to Israel. Then it documents Stephen’s pronouncement of God’s judgment as the nation rejected this kingdom offer.