The Acts of the Apostles, which helps to knit together the canon of the New Testament by joining the Gospels with the ministry of Paul, is a literary masterpiece. Renowned New Testament scholar Richard I. Pervo here shows how this masterful storyteller worked his magic, drawing on first-century literary techniques of narration and characterization, a world that Pervo knows intimately and navigates with ease. Luke's literary skills did not prevent scribes from re-writing his masterwork, however, and the textual tradition of Acts is among the most intriguing of the documents of the New Testament.

Pervo's commentary deftly explores that textual history as well, keeping the reader aware of what the so-called “Western text” contributes at every turn. Elegantly written, Pervo's commentary provides a compelling interpretation of Acts in the context of Hellenistic literature and the emerging Christian movement, and the “profit with delight” that was the ideal of ancient storytellers.