The book of Acts describes the early Christian church, starting with Jesus' ascension and the apostles' ministry in Jerusalem, where the Holy Spirit descended on them on Pentecost. The church grew rapidly, despite persecution from Jewish leaders, and the gospel spread through the ministry of Philip, Peter, and Paul, a former persecutor of Christians who was converted on the road to Damascus. Paul became a key figure in spreading Christianity to the Gentiles, traveling extensively, establishing churches, and preaching, even after being arrested and imprisoned, ultimately being sent to Rome where he continued to preach the gospel under house arrest.