Context: In The Acts of the Apostles we have the only extant contemporary account of the Christian Church in its beginning and early growth. Acts was evidently written by the same person who wrote Luke; he may or may not have been Luke the physician. In any case it is probable that Luke supplied much of the author's information. The book is a memorable record of hardship and devotion to an ideal, and it records the evolution of Christianity from a sect of Judaism to an independent religion. The story of Paul and his missionary work is given in Chapters 15 through 28. His travels in Syria, Greece, Asia Minor and Israel are covered. He faces many difficulties, and is twice the focal point of riots, in Thessalonica and Ephesus. At length he feels he must go to Jerusalem, and, in spite of warnings, makes the journey. Arrived there, he goes to the temple and is recognized and accused by people who have seen him in Asia Minor. Manhandled by a mob, he is turned over to the centurions. Asking the captain for leave to speak, he tells the people how he became a Christian; they are not receptive, and he is saved from a scourging only because he is a Roman citizen. He is released the next day and examined before his accusers. Another scene of disorder results, and the captain is forced to return Paul to prison in order to save his life. On the following day forty of the Pharisees swear to kill him the next time he is brought before them. The captain, warned, sends Paul under guard to Felix, Roman governor in Cæsarea. The latter postpones judgment, and presently Ananias and his elders appear with an orator named Tertullus who accuses Paul again. Judgment is again postponed; Paul is well treated but confined to the premises. Eventually Felix's term of office expires, and his successor, Festus, inherits the prisoner. The accusations are renewed, and Paul is once more commanded to appear before the seat of judgment.