The book of Acts, in addition to its role in continuing and advancing the Gospel, could have been assembled as an exculpatory trial document designed to vindicate the apostle Paul and the early church, demonstrating that Christianity was not a threat to the Roman Empire as Judaism had asserted. The book of Acts also serves as a conciliatory, unifying tool, endeavoring to heal breaches that had emerged in the church through rumor or gossip. A key theme of Acts (appearing 70+ times) concerns the particulars of receiving and using God's Holy Spirit. Acts also provides insights on the commission to the church, the relationship of Jesus with His physical brothers, significant contributions of women in the church, and the emerging roles, organizational patterns, and responsibilities of the disciples.