The Book of Acts, John Stott believes, is important not only for its vivid historical record. It is also vital for the inspiration which it brings to us now. Today's church can seek to recapture something of the early confidence, enthusiasm, vision and power of the church of the first century. Despite all its imperfections and troubles, the young church clearly had been overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit, who thrust it out to witness.

This series of commentaries takes each Bible book section by section, drawing out its main themes. It comments on individual verses and problems of interpretation. Additional notes give a fuller discussion of particular difficulties, showing the true meaning of the text and its message.

David Devenish believes that the church exists as a means of taking the gospel message to every people group. He believes that the church is very much at the centre of God’s purposes, and in this book presents the church, not as a static pastoral community, but as a vibrant, active body totally committed to world mission.

The root of the word ‘mission’ means ‘sending’. All Christian mission has its fountainhead in the God revealed in Scripture, who sent his Son for us, sends his Spirit to us, and summons all people to himself. The privilege and responsibility of his church, sent into all the world, is to testify by his words and deeds to Jesus Christ, God’s unique son, crucified, risen and ascended.

Most Christians would agree that the Bible provides a basis for mission. Chris Wright believes that there is actually a missional basis for the whole Bible – it is generated by, and is all about, God’s mission. In order to understand the Bible, we need an interpretative perspective that is in tune with this great missional theme. We need to see the ‘big picture’ of God’s mission and how all parts of Scripture fit into its grand narrative.

If ever there was a hostile environment for the gospel, it was the strife-torn, ethnically diverse backwater of the Roman Empire known as Palestine following the ascension of Jesus. Followers of Christ in our own increasingly post-modern, post-Christian culture can find here inspiration and insight that will aid them in their own witness to the unchanging Lord of life.