This paper examines how early Christian social identity is constructed and institutionalized in Acts 1–6, focusing on the Jerusalem church. By employing Allan Bell’s sociolinguistic concept of the “Indexical Cycle,” this study investigates how repeated interactions between language and social behavior contribute to the formation and reinforcement of group identity. By tracing four discourse-action cycles in Acts 1:6–6:6, we will explore how leadership speech, communal practices, and theological adaptations work together to form a coherent and resilient Christian identity.
The first cycle (1:12–2:4) involves the formation of a prayer community following Jesus’ ascension and the restoration of apostolic leadership through the appointment of Matthias. Central to this process is Peter’s formal address in Acts 1:15–22, which establishes procedural criteria for selecting new leadership. By grounding apostolic authority in eyewitness testimony and divine commissioning, Peter’s speech sets a foundational precedent for leadership legitimacy within the emerging community. The Pentecost event, marked by the descent of the Spirit and multilingual expression, subsequently functions as a symbolic turning point that affirms the distinctiveness of the community as divinely empowered and set apart.
The second cycle (2:14–4:37) centers on Peter’s public sermons, which serve as integrative discourses uniting Jews from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds—including both Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews—into a shared identity. Peter’s proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection and lordship provides theological coherence across diversity. This integrative discourse is confirmed and embodied in the community’s shared economic practices (2:42–47; 4:32–37), demonstrating that identity is not merely proclaimed but enacted through covenantal solidarity and communal ethics.
The third cycle (5:1–11) focuses on Peter’s discourse with Ananias and Sapphira. Their deceptive withholding of property is portrayed as a violation of the community’s trust and the sanctity of the Spirit. Through his speech, Peter establishes ethical boundaries and articulates a communal identity grounded in spiritual purity and moral integrity. This episode serves to delineate behaviors that are incompatible with the identity of a Spirit-filled community.
The fourth cycle (6:1–6) addresses the conflict between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews that arises from the neglect of Hellenistic widows. This internal dispute exposes structural disparities within the community. The official declaration issued by the Twelve in Acts 6:2–4 plays a pivotal role in institutionalizing communal order: it reaffirms the apostolic commitment to the ministry of the word and prayer, while delegating administrative responsibilities to others. The appointment of the Seven constitutes a concrete implementation of this declaration, establishing structural stability and equity within a culturally diverse community.
In conclusion, Acts 1–6 presents Christian identity as a dynamic process shaped by leadership discourse, communal response, and organizational development. Above all, this methodology sheds light on the communal theology of Acts by analyzing the theological content of leadership speech and the social practices narrated by the author, offering a holistic account of how Luke constructs ecclesial identity.