Acts 13:52
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
And the disciples
The term "disciples" refers to the followers of Jesus Christ, specifically those who were committed to learning from the apostles and spreading the teachings of Christ. In the context of Acts, these disciples were not just the original twelve apostles but included a growing number of believers who were being converted through the missionary efforts of Paul and Barnabas. Historically, this period marks the expansion of the early church beyond Jewish communities into Gentile regions, illustrating the fulfillment of Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

were filled
The phrase "were filled" indicates a state of being completely imbued or saturated. In the Greek, the word "plēthō" suggests a fullness that is overwhelming and complete. This filling is not a one-time event but a continual process, reflecting the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. It signifies a divine empowerment and presence that equips the disciples for their mission, echoing the Pentecost experience in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit first descended upon the apostles.

with joy
"Joy" in this context is more than mere happiness; it is a deep-seated sense of gladness and contentment that comes from the Holy Spirit. The Greek word "chara" denotes a joy that is rooted in spiritual realities rather than external circumstances. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is often associated with the presence and work of God in the believer's life. Historically, the early Christians faced persecution and hardship, yet their joy was a testament to their faith and the transformative power of the Gospel.

and with the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, who empowers, guides, and comforts believers. In Acts, the Holy Spirit is portrayed as the driving force behind the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the church. The filling of the Holy Spirit signifies a special anointing and presence that enables the disciples to carry out their mission with boldness and effectiveness. This phrase underscores the essential role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church and individual believers, as He provides the necessary strength and guidance to fulfill God's purposes. Theologically, this highlights the intimate relationship between joy and the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit's presence brings about a supernatural joy that sustains believers through trials and tribulations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Disciples
Followers of Jesus Christ who were spreading the Gospel message. In this context, they were in the early stages of the Church's expansion.

2. Antioch in Pisidia
A city in the Roman province of Galatia, where Paul and Barnabas preached the Gospel. It was a significant location for the spread of Christianity.

3. Paul and Barnabas
Apostles and missionaries who were instrumental in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. They faced opposition but continued to preach boldly.

4. Jewish Opposition
Jewish leaders who opposed the message of Paul and Barnabas, leading to their expulsion from the region.

5. Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who empowers, guides, and fills believers with joy and strength for their mission.
Teaching Points
Joy in Persecution
Despite opposition and expulsion, the disciples experienced profound joy. This teaches us that true joy is not dependent on circumstances but on the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
The filling of the Holy Spirit is essential for effective ministry and personal spiritual growth. Believers should seek to be continually filled with the Spirit.

The Unstoppable Gospel
The Gospel message cannot be hindered by human opposition. God’s work will continue, and His Spirit will empower His people to persevere.

Community of Believers
The disciples' shared experience of joy and the Holy Spirit highlights the importance of community and mutual encouragement in the faith journey.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the joy experienced by the disciples in Acts 13:52 challenge your understanding of joy in difficult circumstances?

2. In what ways can you seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit in your daily life, and how might this impact your witness to others?

3. How does the opposition faced by Paul and Barnabas in Antioch encourage you to persevere in sharing your faith?

4. What role does the community of believers play in helping you experience the joy and empowerment of the Holy Spirit?

5. How can the example of the disciples in Acts 13:52 inspire you to find joy and strength in the Holy Spirit, even when facing challenges in your own life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Galatians 5:22-23
This passage lists the fruit of the Spirit, including joy, which connects to the disciples being filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

John 16:22
Jesus speaks of a joy that no one can take away, which relates to the joy experienced by the disciples despite persecution.

Romans 15:13
Paul speaks of being filled with joy and peace through the Holy Spirit, echoing the experience of the disciples in Acts 13:52.
Full of the Holy Ghost'Alexander MaclarenActs 13:52
Spiritual JoyR.A. Redford Acts 13:52
Abandonment of Missionary WorkW. Walters.Acts 13:13-52
Antioch in PisidiaW. Denton, M. A.Acts 13:13-52
I Will Make You Fishers of MenLisco.Acts 13:13-52
John MarkA. Maclaren, D. D.Acts 13:13-52
Paul At AntiochR. A. Bertram.Acts 13:13-52
Paul At AntiochW. G. Sperry.Acts 13:13-52
Paul in His Introductory Discourse Already a Complete PaulK. Gerok.Acts 13:13-52
Paul's First Reported SermonD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 13:13-52
Paul's First, Recorded SpeechJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 13:13-52
Paul's Missionary Discourse At Antioch in PisidiaE. Johnson Acts 13:13-52
Perga in PamphyliaBp. Jacobson.Acts 13:13-52
The Continental MissionM. C. Hazard.Acts 13:13-52
The Defection of MarkJ. S. Howson, D. D.Acts 13:13-52
The Departure of Mark and the Continuance of the ApostlesS. S. TimesActs 13:13-52
A Light of the GentilesActs 13:42-52
Denominational EnvyJ. A. James.Acts 13:42-52
Envy At the Success of the GospelK. Gerok.Acts 13:42-52
Gather the OutcastsC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 13:42-52
Growth of Apostolic PowerJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 13:42-52
Jesus a Saviour for AllC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 13:42-52
Jewish JealousyE. Johnson Acts 13:42-52
Light for Men Who are to SeeC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 13:42-52
Man's Need and God's HelpH. W. Beecher.Acts 13:42-52
Ministerial SuccessW. Clarkson Acts 13:42-52
Seeing the SunActs 13:42-52
The Apostles Turning to the GentilesActs 13:42-52
The Clash of Two Worlds in ChristP.C. Barker Acts 13:42-52
The Congregation and its DispersionDean Vaughan.Acts 13:42-52
The Gospel for the GentilesBaring Gould.Acts 13:42-52
The Great AlternativeJ. A. Macfadyen, D. D.Acts 13:42-52
The Opponents of the Gospel Injure Only ThemselvesK. Gerok.Acts 13:42-52
The Results of Paul's First Reported SermonD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 13:42-52
The Severe FarewellK. Gerok.Acts 13:42-52
The Use of Opportunities of GraceBp. Samuel Wilberforce.Acts 13:42-52
Turning to the GentilesD. O. Mears.Acts 13:42-52
Turning to the GentilesR. A. Bertram.Acts 13:42-52
Unworthy of Eternal LifeW. Hay Aitken, M. A.Acts 13:42-52
Jewish Opposition Overruled to the World's GoodR.A. Redford Acts 13:44-52
Full of Joy and of the Holy GhostA. Maclaren, D. D.Acts 13:50-52
Holy JoyWeekly PulpitActs 13:50-52
Israel's Temporary RejectionK. Gerok.Acts 13:50-52
Jewish TacticsDean Plumptre.Acts 13:50-52
Joy a Christian EvidenceH. W. Beecher.Acts 13:50-52
Joy in the Holy GhostDr. Boyd.Acts 13:50-52
Persecution not Inconsistent with JoyCawdray.Acts 13:50-52
Spiritual ExperienceJ. P. Allen, M. A.Acts 13:50-52
When Should a Servant of God Shake Off the Dust of His FeetK. Gerok.Acts 13:50-52
People
Barjesus, Barnabas, Benjamin, Cis, David, Elymas, Herod, Israelites, Jesse, John, Kish, Lucius, Manaen, Niger, Paul, Pilate, Samuel, Saul, Sergius, Simeon
Places
Canaan, Cyprus, Cyrene, Egypt, Galilee, Iconium, Jerusalem, Pamphylia, Paphos, Perga, Pisidia, Pisidian Antioch, Salamis, Seleucia, Syrian Antioch
Topics
Continually, Disciples, Filled, Full, Ghost, Holy, Joy, Spirit
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 13:52

     3020   Holy Spirit, joy of
     3203   Holy Spirit, and assurance
     3251   Holy Spirit, filling with
     4018   life, spiritual
     4942   fulness
     5841   ecstasy
     7120   Christians
     8117   discipleship, benefits
     8287   joy, experience

Acts 13:49-52

     8149   revival, nature of

Library
Easter Tuesday
Text: Acts 13, 26-39. 26 Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth. 27 For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet asked they of Pilate that he should be slain. 29 And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, they
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

John Mark
'... John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.' --ACTS xiii. 13. The few brief notices of John Mark in Scripture are sufficient to give us an outline of his life, and some inkling of his character. He was the son of a well-to-do Christian woman in Jerusalem, whose house appears to have been the resort of the brethren as early as the period of Peter's miraculous deliverance from prison. As the cousin of Barnabas he was naturally selected to be the attendant and secular factotum of Paul and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Unworthy of Life
'... Seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.'--ACTS xiii. 46. So ended the first attempt on Paul's great missionary journey to preach to the Jews. It is described at great length and the sermon given in full because it is the first. A wonderful sermon it was; touching all keys of feeling, now pleading almost with tears, now flashing with indignation, now calmly dealing with Scripture prophecies, now glowing as it tells the story of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

'Full of the Holy Ghost'
'And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.'--Acts xiii. 52. That joy was as strange as a garden full of flowers would be in bitter winter weather. For everything in the circumstances of these disciples tended to make them sad. They had been but just won from heathenism, and they were raw, ignorant, unfit to stand alone. Paul and Barnabas, their only guides, had been hunted out of Antioch by a mob, and it would have been no wonder if these disciples had felt as if they had been
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Why Saul Became Paul
'Saul (who also is called Paul)' ...--ACTS xiii. 9 Hitherto the Apostle has been known by the former of these names, henceforward he is known exclusively by the latter. Hitherto he has been second to his friend Barnabas, henceforward he is first. In an earlier verse of the chapter we read that 'Barnabas and Saul' were separated for their missionary work, and again, that it was 'Barnabas and Saul' for whom the governor of Cyprus sent, to hear the word of the Lord. But in a subsequent verse of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

To the Regions Beyond
'Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. A. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The First Preaching in Asia Minor
'Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 27. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 28. And though they found no cause of death in Him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. 29. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Luther --A Stone on the Cairn
'For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37. But He, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.'--ACTS xiii. 36, 37. I take these words as a motto rather than as a text. You will have anticipated the use which I purpose to make of them in connection with the Luther Commemoration. They set before us, in clear sharp contrast, the distinction between the limited, transient work of the servants and the unbounded,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers
'And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47. For so hath the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Gospel Missions
I SHALL not confine myself to the text. It being an old custom to take texts when we preach, I have taken one, but I shall address you, at large, upon a subject which I am sure will occupy your attention, and has done for many days and years past--the subject of gospel missions. We feel persuaded that all of you are of one mind in this matter, that it is the absolute duty as well as the eminent privilege of the Church to proclaim the gospel to the world. We do not conceive that God will do his own
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

His Own Funeral Sermon
* This sermon was preached on the Lord's-day evening after Mr. William Olney "fell on sleep." Long before the beloved preacher was "called home," it was selected for publication this week. Mrs. Spurgeon feels that her dear husband could not have delivered a more suitable discourse for "his own funeral sermon." She has, therefore, given it that title in the hope that many will be blessed by the message which "he, being dead, yet speaketh." Believing that many friends will wish to have this sermon
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Separated unto the Holy Ghost
"Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen . . . and Saul. "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, departed unto Seleucia" (Acts 13:1-4). In the story
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

In Endeavouring to Prove that Such Intercession Derives Some Support from Scripture they Labour In...
In endeavouring to prove that such intercession derives some support from Scripture they labour in vain. We frequently read (they say) of the prayers of angels, and not only so, but the prayers of believers are said to be carried into the presence of God by their hands. But if they would compare saints who have departed this life with angels, it will be necessary to prove that saints are ministering spirits, to whom has been delegated the office of superintending our salvation, to whom has been assigned
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

Mr. Moody and Rev. Marcus Rainsford.
HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN. MR. MOODY.--Mr. Rainsford, how can one make room in their heart for Christ? Rev. M. Rainsford.--First, do we really want Christ to be in our hearts? If we do, the best thing will be to ask Him to come and make room for Himself. He will surely come and do so. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." "Without Me ye can do nothing." Mr. M.--Will Christ crowd out the world if He comes in? Mr. R.--He spake a parable to that effect. "When a strong man armed
Dwight L. Moody—Sovereign Grace

The Man after God's Own Heart
"A man after mine own heart, who shall fulfil all my will."--ACTS xiii. 22. A BIBLE STUDY ON THE IDEAL OF A CHRISTIAN LIFE No man can be making much of his life who has not a very definite conception of what he is living for. And if you ask, at random, a dozen men what is the end of their life, you will be surprised to find how few have formed to themselves more than the most dim idea. The question of the summum bonum has ever been the most difficult for the human mind to grasp. What shall a man
Henry Drummond—The Ideal Life

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant).
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Holy Spirit Sending Men Forth to Definite Lines of Work.
We read in Acts xiii. 2-4, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed into Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus." It is evident from this passage that the Holy Spirit calls men into definite lines of work and sends them forth into the work. He not
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Via Dolorosa
We have finished the first part of our theme--the Trial of Jesus--and turn now to the second and more solemn part of it--His Death. The trial had been little better than a mockery of justice: on the part of the ecclesiastical authority it was a foregone conclusion, and on the part of the civil authority it was the surrender of a life acknowledged to be innocent to the ends of selfishness and policy. But at last it was over, and nothing remained but to carry the unjust sentence into execution.
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

The Kingdom Conquering the World
Acts Page Paul's Epistles Page Outline for Study of Epistles Page I Thessalonians Page I Corinthians Page Romans Page Philippians Page II Timothy Page The General Epistles Page Questions on the Book of James Page Studies in I and II Peter Page I John Page THE ACTS I. Author: 1. Name. 2. Number of
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible

The Extension of the Church Throughout the World
A.D. 45-70 Section 1. The First Mission to the Gentiles. [Sidenote: A.D. 45.] [Sidenote: St. Paul and St. Barnabas sent to preach to the heathen.] It would seem that in the special Eucharistic offerings and Lenten discipline mentioned by St. Luke[1], the Church in Antioch was seeking guidance of her Divine Head as to her duties with respect to the gentile world in the midst of which she was placed; and that the command of the Holy Ghost to consecrate St. Paul and St. Barnabas as Apostles to the
John Henry Blunt—A Key to the Knowledge of Church History

Early Life the Place of Paul +The Man
STUDY I EARLY LIFE THE PLACE OF PAUL +The Man, Paul,+ judged by the influence he has exerted in the world, is one of the greatest characters in all history. He is pre-eminent not only as a missionary, but as a marvelous thinker and writer. "He was a personality of vast power, force, and individuality." There are some men who seem to be born and prepared to do a large work for the world; Paul makes the impression upon those who carefully read the record of his life that he stands first in this class
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

First Missionary Journey Scripture
STUDY III FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY Scripture, Acts 13:1-14:26 INTRODUCTION TO THE THREE MISSIONARY JOURNEYS Before taking up the study of the first missionary journey, attention is called to certain points which should be considered in regard to all three of them (Acts 13:1-21:17). We have now arrived at what we might call the watershed of the Acts of the Apostles. Hitherto we have had various scenes, characters, personages to consider. Henceforth Paul, his labors, his disputes, his speeches, occupy
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

Paul's Missionary Labors.
The public life of Paul, from the third year after his conversion to his martyrdom, a.d. 40-64, embraces a quarter of a century, three great missionary campaigns with minor expeditions, five visits to Jerusalem, and at least four years of captivity in Caesarea and Rome. Some extend it to a.d. 67 or 68. It may be divided into five or six periods, as follows: 1. a.d. 40-44. The period of preparatory labors in Syria and his native Cilicia, partly alone, partly in connection with Barnabas, his senior
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

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