Inclusiveness of Christianity: a Study of the Theme of Inclusiveness in the Acts of the Apostles

This study investigates the narrative of the Acts of the Apostles in relation to its description of the earliest community of the followers of Jesus Christ in view of drawing out the theme of inclusiveness. The literary terms used by the author of Acts which reflect inclusiveness are studied. The theme of inclusiveness is also investigated in terms of persons mentioned as inviting or enabling others to become part of the Christian community; these are labelled in this study ?personal links?. The exclusive tendency of the Christian community as described in Acts is also investigated. Examples of incidences of inclusiveness in the narrative of Acts is presented in order to show how the narrator articulates this theme. The narrative, is therefore, seen as providing an exampler to the reader of how the Christian community is inclusive. This study is a must read for both the established scholar and the student of the Biblical and theological studies. The Church Minister will also find it useful in the quest of providing that pastoral oversight that brings about inclusiveness in a world that is fast becoming exclusive as resources dwindle.