Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "filling-up" in the Bible often refers to the idea of completion, fulfillment, or being made full in a spiritual or physical sense. This term can be understood in various contexts, including the fulfillment of prophecy, the filling of the Holy Spirit, and the completion of joy or suffering.Fulfillment of Prophecy In the biblical narrative, "filling-up" is frequently associated with the fulfillment of God's promises and prophecies. The New Testament often references the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. For instance, Matthew 5:17 records Jesus saying, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them." Here, "fulfill" implies bringing to completion the prophecies and laws given in the Old Testament. Filling of the Holy Spirit The concept of being "filled" with the Holy Spirit is a significant theme in the New Testament. This filling is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing process of being empowered and guided by the Spirit. In Acts 2:4 , it is recorded, "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." This event marks the beginning of the Church's mission, empowered by the Spirit's presence. Ephesians 5:18 further instructs believers, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This verse contrasts being under the influence of alcohol with being under the influence of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing a continuous state of being filled. Completion of Joy and Suffering The idea of "filling-up" also extends to the completion of joy and suffering in the believer's life. In John 15:11 , Jesus tells His disciples, "I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." Here, the completion of joy is linked to abiding in Christ and His teachings. Conversely, the Apostle Paul speaks of "filling up" what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of the Church. In Colossians 1:24 , Paul writes, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church." This passage suggests that believers participate in Christ's sufferings, contributing to the Church's growth and maturity. Spiritual Fullness in Christ The fullness of life in Christ is a recurring theme in Paul's letters. In Colossians 2:9-10 , Paul declares, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form. And you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority." This passage emphasizes that believers find their spiritual completeness in Christ, who embodies the fullness of God. Conclusion The biblical concept of "filling-up" encompasses a range of meanings, from the fulfillment of divine promises to the spiritual fullness found in Christ. It highlights the transformative work of the Holy Spirit and the believer's participation in the life and mission of the Church. Greek 4138. pleroma -- fullness, a filling up ... fullness, a filling up. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: pleroma Phonetic Spelling: (play'-ro-mah) Short Definition: fullness, fulfillment ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4138.htm - 7k 4140. plesmone -- a filling up 466. antanapleroo -- to fill up in turn 378. anapleroo -- to fill up Library The Servant-Lord April 18. "They Shall Mount up with Wings" (Isa. Xl. 31). The Little Foxes. The Second State of Prayer. Its Supernatural Character. That it was Before Predicted that the World Would Hold us in ... Preface. Introductory Notice No Less Evils have Arisen from the Same Source in the Most Recent ... The Temple of Solomon did not Take Forty-Six Years to Build. With ... Epistle ix. To the Neapolitans. Thesaurus Filling-up (1 Occurrence)Filling-up. Fillings, Filling-up. Fills . Multi-Version Concordance Filling-up (1 Occurrence). Mark 2:21 No one sews ... /f/filling-up.htm - 6k Filling (29 Occurrences) Takes (380 Occurrences) Fills (20 Occurrences) Lacking (53 Occurrences) Fullness (31 Occurrences) Fillings (1 Occurrence) Results (16 Occurrences) Dike Mart (2 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to stir up the gift (2 Timothy 1:6)? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I be filled with the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.org How can I become more like Christ? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Filling-up (1 Occurrence)Mark 2:21 Subtopics Related Terms |