The history of the first Christian decades is partly covered in the book of Acts. At the same time, the focus from Acts 13 onwards is on the Apostle Paul, and the book concludes with Paul's first imprisonment at Rome. While there is much that remains unknown, we can piece together a rough chronology of the early years of the Christian church and the life and ministry of the original Twelve Apostles (minus Judas who was replaced by Matthias). Tentatively, we may say that the Ascension occurred in the year 33 AD , and was followed by the Day of Pentecost and the rapid growth of the church in Jerusalem. The events in chapters 2 to 8 of the book of Acts must have taken place within 2-3 years if not less. The persecution following the stoning of Stephen the Protomartyr (Acts 7) caused many to be dispersed near and far, and led to the spread of the gospel to new places. This was followed by the conversion of Paul on the Road to Damascus. Paul did not immediately go to find the oth...