What literary genre does the Acts of the Apostles reflect?

The Acts of the Apostles reflects the royal literary genre as it documents the early church's formation and the spread of its message, particularly through the actions of the apostles, who serve as messengers of Jesus Christ. This genre often includes elements such as historical accounts of significant leaders, divine providence, and the establishment of social and religious orders, which are all depicted in Acts.

The narrative illustrates the apostles not merely as followers but as authoritative figures in the early Christian community, akin to royal agents tasked with spreading a transformative message. The structure and purpose align with royal literature, aiming to convey the significance of these leaders and the new covenant established through Jesus.

While the other options encompass various narrative styles, they do not capture the essence of the Acts in the same way. Mythological narratives focus on gods and legends rather than the historical growth of a religious movement. Poetic storytelling emphasizes rhythm and emotional expression rather than the systematic account of events. Historical fiction typically blends factual history with imaginative elements, which diverges from the intent of Acts to provide a straightforward account of early church activities grounded in real events.