People Mentioned in the Book of Acts
Quick Summary
The Book of Acts introduces a diverse cast of characters who shaped the early church. From apostles like Peter and Paul to converts like Lydia and the Ethiopian eunuch, from opponents like the high priest to supporters like Barnabas, Acts presents real people responding to the gospel in different ways. Understanding these figures helps us see the human dimension of the church's mission and the variety of ways God works through individuals to advance the gospel.
Introduction
Acts is filled with people. Some appear for only a verse or two. Others dominate entire chapters. Some are named, while others remain anonymous. Together, they form a vivid portrait of the early church's diverse membership and the wide range of responses to the gospel message.
This article provides an overview of significant individuals mentioned in Acts, organized by their role in the narrative. It is not exhaustive but highlights key figures whose stories illustrate major themes in the book.
The Apostles
Peter is the dominant apostolic figure in the first half of Acts. He preaches the first sermon at Pentecost, resulting in three thousand conversions. He heals a lame man at the temple gate and boldly defends the gospel before the Sanhedrin. Peter's encounter with Cornelius marks a turning point in the inclusion of Gentiles. He defends this action in Jerusalem and plays a crucial role at the Jerusalem Council. After Acts 15, Peter largely disappears from the narrative.
John frequently appears alongside Peter in the early chapters. Together they heal, preach, and face opposition. John is identified as the son of Zebedee, one of Jesus' closest disciples, but Acts gives him few speaking roles. His presence alongside Peter provides continuity with Jesus' ministry and validates Peter's leadership.
James the brother of John is mentioned briefly. Herod Agrippa I has him executed by the sword (Acts 12:2), making him the first apostle to be martyred. His death receives little narrative attention, suggesting that martyrdom was becoming an expected part of following Jesus.
James the brother of Jesus emerges as a leader of the Jerusalem church. He presides at the Jerusalem Council, offering a decisive interpretation of Scripture that supports Gentile inclusion without requiring circumcision. Later, Paul meets with James in Jerusalem (Acts 21:18). James represents continuity with Jesus' family and the Jewish roots of the faith.
Paul and His Companions
Paul (also called Saul) dominates the second half of Acts. Initially a persecutor of the church, he encounters the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus and becomes the gospel's most zealous advocate. Paul's three missionary journeys take him across the Roman Empire, establishing churches and proclaiming Jesus as Lord. His Roman citizenship protects him at crucial moments, and his appeal to Caesar brings him to Rome, where Acts ends with him under house arrest, still preaching.
Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," first appears selling property and giving the proceeds to the apostles (Acts 4:36-37). He vouches for Saul in Jerusalem when others fear him (Acts 9:27). Barnabas is sent with Paul on the first missionary journey and demonstrates courage and faith throughout. He and Paul separate over John Mark, with Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus while Paul continues with Silas.
Silas (also called Silvanus) becomes Paul's companion on the second missionary journey. He is beaten and imprisoned with Paul in Philippi and travels with him through Macedonia and Greece.
Timothy is recruited by Paul in Lystra during the second journey. The son of a Jewish mother and Greek father, Timothy is circumcised by Paul to facilitate ministry among Jews. He becomes Paul's trusted delegate and companion, mentioned frequently in Paul's letters.
Luke is the author of Acts and occasionally appears in the narrative through "we" passages, indicating his presence during portions of Paul's journeys (Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-21:18; 27:1-28:16). Luke is identified elsewhere as a physician and Gentile companion of Paul.
Priscilla and Aquila are a married couple who work as tentmakers, the same trade as Paul. Paul meets them in Corinth(Acts 18:2-3). They later instruct Apollos more accurately in the faith (Acts 18:26). Priscilla's name often appears first, suggesting she may have been the more prominent teacher. They represent the laity's crucial role in the early church.
Martyrs and Witnesses
Stephen is one of seven men chosen to serve tables in the Jerusalem church (Acts 6:5). Described as "full of faith and the Holy Spirit," Stephen performs signs and wonders. When opponents cannot refute his wisdom, they bring false charges against him. His speech before the Sanhedrin rehearses Israel's history and accuses the council of resisting the Spirit. He is stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr. His vision of Jesus standing at God's right hand and his dying prayer for his killers echo Jesus' crucifixion.
Philip is another of the seven. After Stephen's death, Philip proclaims Christ in Samaria with great success. The Spirit then directs him to the Ethiopian eunuch, whom he leads to faith and baptizes. Philip settles in Caesarea and is later called "the evangelist" (Acts 21:8).
Converts
Cornelius is a Roman centurion, God-fearing and generous, who receives a vision directing him to send for Peter. When Peter arrives and preaches, the Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius and his household before baptism. Cornelius's conversion is the decisive breakthrough for Gentile inclusion, demonstrating that God accepts Gentiles apart from Jewish law.
Lydia is a dealer in purple cloth from Thyatira. She worships God and, upon hearing Paul's message, believes and is baptized along with her household. She insists that Paul and his companions stay at her home, demonstrating the hospitality that becomes essential to the church's mission. Lydia represents women of means who support the early church.
The Philippian jailer is converted dramatically after an earthquake opens the prison where Paul and Silas are held. Thinking the prisoners have escaped, he prepares to kill himself, but Paul stops him. The jailer asks, "What must I do to be saved?" and believes with his whole household (Acts 16:30-34).
The Ethiopian eunuch is a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He is returning from worshiping in Jerusalem when Philip finds him reading Isaiah. Philip explains the passage, proclaims Jesus, and baptizes him. The eunuch represents the gospel reaching beyond geographical and social boundaries.
Apollos is an eloquent and knowledgeable Jewish teacher who knows about Jesus but only the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila instruct him more accurately, and he becomes an effective evangelist, especially in Corinth.
Women in Acts
Acts features numerous women who play significant roles in the early church, challenging assumptions about women's participation in ancient religious movements.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, appears briefly in the upper room with the disciples and other women, praying after Jesus' ascension (Acts 1:14). Her presence connects the early church to Jesus' earthly ministry.
Priscilla (mentioned above with Aquila) is notable for her teaching role. When she and Aquila instruct Apollos, Luke mentions her name first (Acts 18:26), suggesting prominence. She is a co-worker with Paul in tentmaking and ministry, representing educated, theologically capable women leaders in the early church.
Lydia of Thyatira is a successful businesswoman who deals in expensive purple cloth. As a worshiper of God, she hears Paul's message and believes. She and her household are baptized, and she insists that Paul's team stay at her home. Lydia becomes the host of the Philippian church, using her resources and social position to advance the gospel.
The slave girl with a spirit of divination in Philippi follows Paul and Silas, proclaiming them as servants of God. Paul exorcises the spirit, which leads to his and Silas's imprisonment. Though unnamed and exploited by her owners, her story shows the gospel's power to free the oppressed (Acts 16:16-18).
Damaris is one of those who believes after hearing Paul's speech in Athens (Acts 17:34). Her mention by name suggests she was a person of some standing or significance in the Athenian context.
Philip's four daughters are unmarried women who prophesy (Acts 21:9). Their gift demonstrates the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy quoted at Pentecost, that sons and daughters would prophesy in the last days. They represent women's active participation in Spirit-empowered ministry.
Dorcas (also called Tabitha) is described as a disciple in Joppa who is "devoted to good works and acts of charity" (Acts 9:36). When she dies, Peter raises her from the dead. The mourning widows display the garments she made for them, showing her practical service to the community (Acts 9:39).
Sapphira (mentioned above with Ananias) shares in her husband's deception and judgment, indicating that women bore equal responsibility and accountability in the community (Acts 5:1-11).
Prominent Greek women are mentioned multiple times as responding to the gospel. In Thessalonica, "not a few of the leading women" believe (Acts 17:4). In Berea, "not a few Greek women and men of high standing" believe (Acts 17:12). These references suggest that women of means and social influence were drawn to the gospel and became important supporters of the church.
Bernice, sister of Agrippa II, appears in Paul's trial before her brother. Though not a believer, her presence indicates women's involvement even in elite Roman contexts (Acts 25:13, 23; 26:30).
Mary, the mother of John Mark, owns a house in Jerusalem where believers gather to pray for Peter during his imprisonment (Acts 12:12). Her home serves as a meeting place for the church, and she represents women who provide resources and space for the community.
Rhoda is the servant girl in Mary's household who recognizes Peter's voice when he arrives after being freed from prison. The believers initially dismiss her report, but she insists, showing persistence and faith (Acts 12:13-15).
Women in Acts serve as apostles' supporters, prophets, teachers, hosts, business owners, and benefactors. They are converts, disciples, and active participants in the church's mission. Luke's inclusion of these women demonstrates that the gospel created a community where women exercised gifts, held leadership roles, and contributed significantly to the church's growth and witness.
Opponents
Ananias and Sapphira are members of the Jerusalem church who sell property but lie about the proceeds, claiming to give all while holding back part. Peter confronts them, and both die on the spot. The account demonstrates God's holiness and the seriousness of sin within the community.
Simon the magician practices magic in Samaria and amazes people with his powers. When Philip preaches Christ, Simon believes and is baptized. But when he sees the Spirit given through the laying on of hands, he offers money to buy this power. Peter rebukes him sharply, and Simon asks for prayer. His story warns against treating spiritual gifts as commodities.
Herod Agrippa I persecutes the church, executing James and imprisoning Peter. When he delivers a speech and accepts worship as a god, he is struck down by an angel and dies (Acts 12:20-23). His fate illustrates divine judgment against those who oppose God's people.
Demetrius is a silversmith in Ephesus who makes shrines of Artemis. When Paul's preaching threatens his business, Demetrius stirs up a riot. He represents economic interests opposed to the gospel.
The Jewish leaders (high priests, members of the Sanhedrin, synagogue leaders) consistently oppose the apostles throughout Acts. They arrest, threaten, and beat the apostles, seeking to silence their message. Their opposition stems from theological disagreement and fear of losing authority.
Roman Officials
Pontius Pilate is mentioned as the one who handed Jesus over to be crucified (Acts 3:13; 4:27; 13:28). His role establishes continuity between Jesus' suffering and the church's mission.
Felix is the Roman governor before whom Paul is tried in Caesarea. He delays a decision, hoping for a bribe, and leaves Paul in custody for two years (Acts 24:26-27).
Festus succeeds Felix as governor. He hears Paul's case and suggests transferring him to Jerusalem, prompting Paul to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:9-12).
Agrippa II and his sister Bernice hear Paul's defense. Paul recounts his conversion and mission, and Agrippa famously asks, "Are you so quickly persuading me to become a Christian?" (Acts 26:28). Agrippa concludes that Paul has done nothing deserving death but cannot be released because of his appeal to Caesar.
Gallio is the proconsul of Achaia who hears charges against Paul in Corinth. He dismisses the case, refusing to judge matters of Jewish law (Acts 18:12-17). His indifference provides protection for Paul.
Julius, the centurion, guards Paul during the voyage to Rome. He treats Paul kindly and ultimately trusts his advice during the storm, saving lives (Acts 27:1-44).
Anonymous Figures
Many important people in Acts remain unnamed. The lame man healed at the temple gate, the man born blind whom Peter heals (Acts 9:33-34), the slave girl with a spirit of divination, and countless others who believed and were baptized all contribute to the story without being named. Their anonymity reminds us that God's work extends far beyond those who are famous or remembered.
Why These People Matter
The people in Acts show us the breadth of the early church. They come from different ethnic backgrounds, social classes, and regions. Some are wealthy, others poor. Some are educated, others not. Some are Jews, others Gentiles. Some are free, others enslaved. Men and women alike serve as witnesses, leaders, and supporters of the gospel. Yet all are invited into the community of faith through Jesus Christ.
These individuals also demonstrate different responses to the gospel. Some believe immediately, others resist. Some remain faithful unto death, others fall away. The variety of responses reminds us that the gospel encounters real people with real choices.
Finally, the people in Acts show that God works through ordinary individuals. Most of those named are not professional religious leaders. They are merchants, soldiers, government officials, laborers, and homemakers. God uses them all to advance the gospel and build the church.
See Also
Works Consulted
Bauckham, Richard. Gospel Women: Studies of the Named Women in the Gospels. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002.
Keener, Craig S. Acts: An Exegetical Commentary. 4 vols. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2012–2015.
Matthews, Shelly. First Converts: Rich Pagan Women and the Rhetoric of Mission in Early Judaism and Christianity. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2001.
Rapske, Brian. The Book of Acts and Paul in Roman Custody. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994.
Witherington, Ben, III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.
