Every named figure in the book.
The leading figure of the Jerusalem church and the protagonist of the first half of Acts. Preaches at Pentecost. Heals at the temple gate. Defies the Sanhedrin. Escapes Herod's prison through an angel. His baptism of Cornelius the Roman centurion — the founding Gentile conversion — is the structural pivot that makes the Pauline mission possible. Disappears from the narrative after chapter 15.
First appears as Saul the Pharisee, consenting to the stoning of Stephen and holding the cloaks of those who throw the stones. Converted on the road to Damascus — struck blind by a vision of the risen Jesus, sight restored three days later through Ananias — he becomes the book's dominant figure from chapter 13 onward. His three missionary journeys, his arrest in Jerusalem, his years under guard in Caesarea, his shipwreck on Malta, and his arrival in Rome to preach unhindered are the spine of the second half.
One of the seven appointed to serve the Jerusalem community. Brought before the Sanhedrin, he delivers the longest speech in Acts — a retelling of Israel's history as a pattern of resisting God's messengers. He dies by stoning outside the city, asking forgiveness for his killers. His death triggers the scattering that begins the wider mission. The young Saul holds the cloaks of those who throw the stones.
A Roman centurion stationed at Caesarea, devout and generous, a worshipper of God. His vision in chapter 10 sends men to fetch Peter. Peter's simultaneous vision of the great sheet of unclean animals runs in parallel. When Peter arrives and preaches, the Spirit falls on the household before the sermon is finished. This episode — Peter baptizing a Gentile by manifest divine initiative — is the founding precedent for the Jerusalem Council's ruling.
A businesswoman from Thyatira living in Philippi, a dealer in expensive purple cloth and a worshipper of God. She meets Paul at the riverside prayer gathering in chapter 16. The Lord opens her heart; she is baptized along with her household and immediately offers her house as the Philippian mission's base. The church at Philippi meets in her house. The most affectionate of Paul's letters will be sent there years later.
The apostles, elders, and representatives from Antioch, gathered in chapter 15 to decide whether Gentile converts must be circumcised. Peter recalls Cornelius; Paul and Barnabas report signs among the Gentiles; James rules. The decision — no circumcision required — cuts the cord between the new movement and the boundaries of Israel and makes possible everything that follows in the book.
The governor before whom Paul appears in chapter 24 after his transfer from Jerusalem to Caesarea. He listens to Paul's defense and is moved enough to call for him repeatedly and hear him speak. He keeps Paul under guard for two years, hoping for a bribe. He is succeeded by Festus, who reopens the case.
The governor who reopens Paul's case in chapter 25 after succeeding Felix. When Festus suggests sending Paul back to Jerusalem for trial — a move that would expose him to assassination — Paul invokes his right as a Roman citizen: I appeal to Caesar. Festus has no choice but to send him to Rome. He discusses the case with King Agrippa before doing so.
The client king of a small territory in northern Palestine, present in Caesarea in chapter 25 when Festus is uncertain how to frame Paul's case for Nero. Agrippa hears Paul's defense in chapter 26 — Paul's third and most elaborate retelling of his Damascus road conversion. Agrippa's verdict to Festus is dry: This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.