The Acts of the Apostles is a book of the Holy Bible that is usually placed as the fifth book in the New Testament. In the church it is the first book of the Apostol. It is commonly referred to as simply Acts.
Acts tells the story of the Early Christian Church, and the works of the Holy Spirit, with particular emphasis on the ministry of the Twelve Apostles and of Apostle Paul. The early chapters, set in Jerusalem discuss Jesus’ Resurrection, his Ascension, the Day of Pentecost, and the beginning of the ministry of the Twelve Apostles. The later chapters discuss Paul’s conversion, his ministry, and finally his arrest, imprisonment, and trip to Rome.
It is read liturgically, as an Apostolic Reading, from Pascha to Pentecost. It is also the custom of the Church to read the book of Acts over the tomb of Christ on Holy Friday and Saturday, and over the body of a deceased priest at the wake prior to his burial.