And the disciples
This phrase refers to the followers of Jesus Christ, specifically those who were part of the early Christian church. In the context of Acts 13, these disciples include Paul and Barnabas, who were on their first missionary journey. The term "disciples" indicates learners or students, emphasizing their role in spreading the teachings of Jesus. Historically, the early church faced persecution, yet they remained steadfast in their mission.

were filled with joy
Despite facing opposition and persecution, the disciples experienced profound joy. This joy is not merely an emotional response but a deep-seated sense of fulfillment and purpose derived from their faith and the presence of God in their lives. This joy is often seen as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is a recurring theme in the New Testament, where believers find joy in trials (James 1:2-3) and in the hope of salvation (Romans 15:13).

and with the Holy Spirit
The filling of the Holy Spirit signifies empowerment and guidance for the disciples. In the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the expansion of the early church, providing boldness, wisdom, and miraculous signs. This phrase connects to the promise of Jesus in Acts 1:8, where He assures His followers that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Joel 2:28-29, and is essential for the life and mission of the church.

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.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.1. What is the meaning of Acts 13:52?

2. How can we be "filled with joy" like the disciples in Acts 13:52?

3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in our daily lives, as seen here?

4. How does Acts 13:52 connect to the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22?

5. In what ways can we cultivate joy amidst persecution, as demonstrated in Acts 13?

6. How can we ensure the Holy Spirit's presence is evident in our community?

7. How does Acts 13:52 demonstrate the role of the Holy Spirit in early Christian communities?

8. Why were the disciples filled with joy despite facing persecution in Acts 13:52?

9. What does Acts 13:52 reveal about the relationship between joy and the Holy Spirit?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 13?

11. What is the joy of the Holy Spirit?

12. Why do I still feel empty even though I believe in God?

13. What is the phenomenon known as holy laughter?

14. How can your joy be made complete?And

Luke begins with a simple conjunction, “And,” tying verse 52 to what has just happened. Paul and Barnabas have shaken the dust off their feet and moved on (Acts 13:51), yet “the word of the Lord spread through the whole region” (Acts 13:49). Opposition, expulsion, and loss did not stop the gospel; the story keeps moving. In the same way, Jesus had warned that tribulation would come, but “take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The “And” reminds us that God’s work rolls forward in spite of setbacks, turning apparent defeat into advance (Philippians 1:12).

---

The disciples

These are not just the Twelve. The term covers the new believers in Pisidian Antioch—men and women, Jews and Gentiles—who have received Christ (Acts 13:43). Scripture consistently calls every follower a “disciple,” a learner who imitates Jesus (Luke 6:40; Acts 11:26).

• They have turned from dead religion to the living Savior (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

• They now share the same identity as those who walked with Christ in Galilee (Matthew 28:19).

Persecution did not thin their ranks; it clarified their allegiance.

---

Were filled

To be “filled” means to be under the full influence of something. Luke uses the phrase often: filled with fear (Luke 5:26), with rage (Luke 6:11), or with the Spirit (Acts 4:31). Here it describes an ongoing, overflowing state, not a passing feeling. Compare:

• Acts 2:4—“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit.”

• Ephesians 5:18—“Be filled with the Spirit,” an imperative for continual surrender.

God does not ration His presence; He pours it out until hearts overflow (John 7:38-39).

---

With joy

Joy is the first visible evidence of that filling. It is a deep-seated gladness that persists when circumstances turn sour.

• Jesus promised, “No one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22).

• Paul would later tell these same believers, “The kingdom of God is…righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

• Joy is fruit produced by the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), not manufactured by human optimism.

Even in affliction they “rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer shame for the Name” (Acts 5:41).

---

And

This second “and” links joy inseparably to the Spirit. Joy is not an optional add-on; it accompanies the Spirit’s presence just as surely as light accompanies sunrise (Psalm 30:5). Where the Spirit reigns, gladness thrives (Isaiah 61:3).

---

With the Holy Spirit

The same Spirit who empowered Jesus (Luke 4:1) now fills ordinary believers. His ministry includes:

• Assurance—“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16).

• Power—“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8).

• Comfort—Believers “received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

• Guidance—“Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14).

The disciples lacked prestige or protection, but they possessed the very presence of God, turning a hostile environment into a Spirit-saturated mission field.

---

summary

Acts 13:52 shows that opposition cannot stifle believers who are saturated with the Spirit. The new disciples, driven out of their synagogue and shunned by their city’s leaders, overflowed with supernatural joy because the Holy Spirit filled them. Their experience proves that, when God occupies the heart, gladness and power replace fear and defeat, and the gospel keeps moving forward.

(52) And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost.--The tense is again that which expresses the continuance of the state. The "joy" expresses what is almost the normal sequence of conversion in the history of the Acts. (See Notes on Acts 8:8; Acts 8:39.) The addition of "the Holy Ghost" may imply special gifts like those of tongues and prophecy, but certainly involves a new intensity of spiritual life, of which joy was the natural outcome. As being conspicuous among the Gentile converts, we trace the impression which it then made, in words which St. Paul wrote long years afterwards, "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Romans 14:17).

Verse 52. - And the disciples, etc. Nothing can be more beautiful than this description. In spite of the persecution, in spite of the danger, in spite of the banishment of their teachers, the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost (see 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Hebrews 10:34). With regard to this important incident at Antioch, Renan observes on its powerful influence in turning St. Paul's mind more decisively to the conversion of the Gentiles as the great object of his apostleship. He adds, "The character of that great soul was to have a boundless power of expansion. I know none to be compared with it in respect of its inexhaustible freshness, its unlimited resources of will, and readiness to make the most of every opportunity, except that of Alexander the Great?

Parallel Commentaries ...

And
τε (te)
Conjunction
Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.

the
οἵ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

disciples
μαθηταὶ (mathētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

were filled
ἐπληροῦντο (eplērounto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4137: From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.

with joy
χαρᾶς (charas)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5479: Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[with the] Holy
Ἁγίου (Hagiou)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

Spirit.
Πνεύματος (Pneumatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.


Acts 13:52 NIV
Acts 13:52 NLT
Acts 13:52 ESV
Acts 13:52 NASB
Acts 13:52 KJV

Acts 13:52 BibleApps.com
Acts 13:52 Biblia Paralela
Acts 13:52 Chinese Bible
Acts 13:52 French Bible
Acts 13:52 Catholic Bible

NT Apostles: Acts 13:52 The disciples were filled with joy (Acts of the Apostles Ac)