People in the Book of Acts (Key Figures)
Quick Summary
The Book of Acts introduces a wide range of people (apostles, deacons, Roman officials, traveling companions, and opponents) who helped shape the earliest days of the Christian church. This list highlights key figures in Acts and their significance in the unfolding story of the gospel.
Peter: The Apostle to the Jews
Peter is the central figure in the first half of Acts. He preaches at Pentecost (Acts 2), heals the lame (Acts 3), and boldly proclaims Jesus before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4–5). He receives the vision that leads to the inclusion of Gentiles (Acts 10), marking a turning point in the early church.
Peter's leadership is marked by both courage and humility. He recognizes that the Holy Spirit cannot be contained by old boundaries.
Paul (Saul of Tarsus): The Apostle to the Gentiles
Originally a persecutor of the church, Saul encounters the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). He becomes Paul, the most prominent missionary in Acts.
Paul's journeys fill the second half of the book. He establishes churches, debates philosophers, performs miracles, and defends his faith before governors and kings. His speeches before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa are highlights of Christian witness in hostile settings (Acts 24–26).
Stephen: The First Martyr
Stephen is one of the seven chosen to serve the early church (Acts 6), but he also preaches with power. His speech before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7) recounts Israel's history and indicts its leaders. He is stoned, becoming the first Christian martyr.
His death triggers a wave of persecution—and a wave of mission.
Philip: Evangelist to Samaria and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Philip, another of the seven, takes the gospel to Samaria (Acts 8). There, many believe. Then, the Spirit sends him to meet an Ethiopian official on the road. He explains Isaiah, baptizes the eunuch, and disappears.
Philip models Spirit-led mission across cultural and geographic boundaries.
Barnabas: Son of Encouragement
Barnabas is the bridge between Paul and the apostles (Acts 9:27). He later partners with Paul on missionary journeys and helps shape the church in Antioch (Acts 11).
Though they later part ways (Acts 15:36–40), Barnabas remains a key encourager and builder of the early church.
James the Brother of John: Martyred Early
One of the original Twelve, James is put to death by Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:1–2). His martyrdom shows that even the most prominent disciples faced suffering.
James the Brother of Jesus: Leader in Jerusalem
James emerges as the head of the Jerusalem church. He presides over the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) and plays a balancing role between Jewish tradition and Gentile inclusion.
Cornelius: The First Gentile Convert
Cornelius, a Roman centurion, receives a vision and sends for Peter. Peter's visit and the Spirit's outpouring (Acts 10) mark the formal beginning of Gentile mission. Cornelius is devout, generous, and open to God.
Lydia: First Convert in Europe
Lydia is a dealer in purple cloth from Philippi. Paul meets her by a river (Acts 16), and she becomes the first Christian convert in Europe. Her hospitality becomes the base for the church in Philippi.
Silas: Paul's Faithful Companion
Chosen to accompany Paul after Barnabas departs, Silas travels with Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 15–18). He is with Paul during the earthquake in Philippi (Acts 16) and shares in teaching, preaching, and suffering.
Timothy: Young Leader in the Mission
Half-Jewish, half-Greek, Timothy joins Paul in Acts 16. He becomes a trusted co-worker, accompanying Paul on key journeys and eventually pastoring churches in Ephesus and beyond.
Aquila and Priscilla: Tentmakers and Teachers
This husband-wife team meets Paul in Corinth (Acts 18). They work together, host the church, and even instruct the gifted preacher Apollos.
Their example shows how laypeople played vital roles in the movement.
Apollos: Eloquent but Growing
Apollos is a powerful speaker from Alexandria (Acts 18:24–28). Priscilla and Aquila gently guide him into a fuller understanding of the gospel. He becomes a key teacher in Corinth.
Felix, Festus, and Agrippa: Roman Authorities
These governors and rulers hear Paul’s defense but fail to release him. Their roles show the growing intersection of Christian witness and Roman politics.
Felix (Acts 24) keeps Paul in prison for two years.
Festus (Acts 25) inherits the case and consults Agrippa.
Agrippa II (Acts 26) hears Paul's famous appeal.
Ananias and Sapphira: A Warning
This couple lies about their offering and dies suddenly (Acts 5). Their story is a sober warning about deceit in the community of faith.
Meaning for Today
The Book of Acts reminds us that God uses all kinds of people—bold preachers, humble servants, new believers, old enemies, generous hosts, faithful friends. The church grows not through perfect plans but through faithful people empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Every person in Acts, from Peter to Lydia, had a role. And so do we.
