Acts 13:52

KJV

And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the disciples {G3101} were filled with {G4137} joy {G5479}, and {G2532} with the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the talmidim were filled with joy and with the Ruach HaKodesh.

Berean Standard Bible

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

American Standard Version

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:52 vividly portrays the supernatural spiritual state of the disciples, likely Paul, Barnabas, and the new believers in Pisidian Antioch, immediately after facing intense opposition and expulsion. Despite being cast out of the city, they were not dejected but experienced an overflowing inner joy and a fresh empowerment by the Holy Spirit, demonstrating that genuine Christian resilience and gladness are not dependent on favorable external circumstances but on the abiding presence and power of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a powerful concluding statement to Paul and Barnabas's initial ministry in Pisidian Antioch during their first missionary journey. Following their arrival and Paul's significant sermon in the synagogue, many Gentiles and God-fearing Jews responded positively to the Gospel, leading to a large gathering the following Sabbath ([Acts 13:42-44](/acts/13-42-44 "Acts 13:42-44 - Paul's Ministry in Pisidian Antioch")). However, this success provoked intense jealousy and opposition from some Jewish leaders, who began to contradict and blaspheme Paul's message ([Acts 13:45](/acts/13-45 "Acts 13:45 - Jewish Opposition in Antioch")). In response, Paul and Barnabas boldly declared their turning to the Gentiles, affirming God's command for them to be a light to the nations ([Acts 13:46-47](/acts/13-46-47 "Acts 13:46-47 - Turning to the Gentiles")). This led to the Jewish leaders inciting prominent citizens and women to persecute the apostles, ultimately expelling them from the city ([Acts 13:50](/acts/13-50 "Acts 13:50 - Persecution and Expulsion")). In obedience to Jesus' instruction for such circumstances, Paul and Barnabas shook off the dust from their feet as a testimony against them before departing for Iconium ([Acts 13:51](/acts/13-51 "Acts 13:51 - Shaking Off the Dust")). It is precisely in the wake of this rejection and expulsion that Acts 13:52 highlights the profound internal spiritual reality of the disciples, contrasting their inner state with their outward circumstances.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Pisidian Antioch was a significant Roman colony in the province of Galatia, strategically important for trade and administration. Its synagogue would have been a natural starting point for Paul's evangelistic efforts, as it provided a ready audience of Jews and God-fearers familiar with the Old Testament scriptures. The opposition faced by Paul and Barnabas was not uncommon for early Christian missionaries. Jewish leaders, often motivated by theological disagreement, social standing, and fear of losing their influence, frequently incited local authorities or influential citizens against the apostles. The act of "shaking off the dust from their feet" was a Jewish custom, a symbolic gesture of disassociation and judgment, indicating that the apostles were leaving the city's fate to God, as it had rejected the divine message. This action, commanded by Jesus in [Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - Shaking Off Dust"), underscored the gravity of their rejection of the Gospel. Despite the cultural and political pressures that led to their expulsion, the disciples' response in Acts 13:52 demonstrates a radical counter-cultural joy and spiritual empowerment that transcended their immediate, challenging reality.

* **Key Themes:** The passage contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Joy in Adversity**. Rather than despairing over persecution and rejection, the disciples experienced profound joy, showcasing a distinctly Christian gladness that is not contingent on favorable circumstances. This joy is a supernatural gift, a fruit of the Spirit, as seen in [Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - The Fruit of the Spirit"), and a hallmark of true discipleship, enabling believers to rejoice even amidst suffering, as encouraged in [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - Joy in Trials"). Secondly, the verse highlights the crucial theme of **Empowerment by the Holy Spirit**. The disciples' joy was directly linked to being "filled...with the Holy Ghost," emphasizing the Spirit's indispensable role in sustaining believers through trials, providing comfort, strength, and an inner peace that surpasses human understanding, as described in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"). This filling was not merely for miraculous signs but for enduring discipleship, faithful witness, and resilience. Finally, the passage underscores **Divine Vindication and the Irrepressible Advance of the Gospel**. Despite the opposition and apparent setback, the disciples' spiritual state affirmed God's approval of their mission and His continued work through them. The expulsion was not a defeat but a redirection, propelling them to new regions to spread the Gospel, demonstrating that God's plan for the spread of His kingdom cannot be thwarted by human resistance, a recurring motif throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **filled (Greek, _plēróō'_):** (G4137) This verb signifies "to make replete," "to cram," "to furnish," or "to imbue." Here, it denotes an overflowing, complete, and abundant state. When applied to joy or the Holy Spirit, it implies a thorough saturation or complete control, not merely a partial presence. The disciples were not just experiencing a fleeting emotion or a slight influence, but were entirely pervaded by joy and the Spirit.
* **joy (Greek, _chará'_):** (G5479) Derived from a root meaning "to rejoice," this noun refers to cheerfulness, gladness, or calm delight. It is a deep-seated spiritual condition, distinct from mere happiness, which is often dependent on circumstances. This "joy" is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, a supernatural gladness that can exist even in the midst of suffering and opposition, rooted in God's presence and promises.
* **Ghost (Greek, _pneûma'_):** (G4151) Meaning "a current of air," "breath," or "breeze," this word extends to mean "spirit." In the context of "Holy Ghost" (with _hágios_, G40, meaning "sacred" or "holy"), it refers to the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. Being "filled with the Holy Ghost" signifies a divine empowerment, a fresh impartation of the Spirit's presence and power, enabling believers for witness, endurance, and spiritual understanding. This filling is a recurring theme in Acts, denoting a dynamic, active presence of God within His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the disciples were filled with joy,"**: This clause reveals the internal spiritual state of the believers. Despite the external circumstances of persecution and expulsion, their hearts were supernaturally full of joy. This joy was not a human emotional response to favorable conditions, but a divine impartation, a deep-seated gladness that transcended their immediate troubles. The use of "filled" (plēróō) emphasizes the completeness and abundance of this joy, suggesting it was an overwhelming and pervasive experience.
* **"and with the Holy Ghost."**: This second clause directly links the source of their joy to the Holy Spirit. The conjunction "and" indicates that being filled with joy and being filled with the Holy Spirit are intimately connected, almost two facets of the same experience. The Holy Spirit is the divine agent who imparts this supernatural joy and empowers believers to endure and even thrive in the face of adversity. This "filling" implies a fresh anointing, a renewed spiritual vitality and divine presence that equipped them for their ongoing mission.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 13:52 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is perhaps the most striking, as the internal state of "joy" and "Holy Ghost" filling stands in stark opposition to the external reality of "persecution" and "expulsion" described in the preceding verses. This highlights a distinctly Christian paradox: spiritual flourishing amidst worldly rejection. The phrase "filled with" (plēróō) acts as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the completeness and abundance of both the joy and the Spirit's presence, suggesting an overflowing rather than a mere sprinkling. This **Juxtaposition** of outward suffering and inward spiritual abundance serves to magnify the power and reality of God's presence in the lives of His followers, demonstrating that true spiritual vitality is not dependent on circumstances but on divine empowerment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:52 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of Christian experience, particularly the source and character of spiritual joy and empowerment. It teaches that authentic joy is not merely an emotion contingent on favorable circumstances but a supernatural fruit of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to thrive even amidst intense opposition and suffering. This deep-seated gladness, coupled with the Spirit's empowering presence, is God's provision for His people to persevere in their mission. The verse underscores the active and dynamic role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, not just for miraculous signs, but for sustaining inner peace, resilience, and faithfulness in the face of adversity. It affirms that God's kingdom advances not through the absence of conflict, but through the Spirit-empowered endurance of His disciples, whose inner state reflects a divine reality that transcends worldly setbacks.

* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"): Explicitly lists joy as a fruit of the Spirit, demonstrating its divine origin and character.
* [Philippians 4:4-7](/philippians/4-4-7 "Philippians 4:4-7 - Rejoice in the Lord Always"): Encourages believers to "rejoice in the Lord always" and promises "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding," directly linking joy and peace to God's presence amidst anxiety.
* [1 Peter 4:12-14](/1_peter/4-12-14 "1 Peter 4:12-14 - Suffering for Christ"): Instructs believers to "rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings," affirming that suffering for Christ is a cause for joy, as the Spirit of glory rests upon them.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:52 provides a timeless and powerful model for believers navigating the complexities of life and ministry. It challenges the common misconception that joy is found only in the absence of trouble. Instead, it reveals a profound truth: true Christian joy is an inner, Spirit-given reality that can flourish even in the crucible of opposition, disappointment, and hardship. For us today, this means that when we face rejection, criticism, or setbacks in our faith or service, our response should not be despair, but a conscious turning to the Holy Spirit for renewed strength and gladness. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep reliance on the Spirit, recognizing that He is the source of our resilience and inner peace. It calls us to look beyond our immediate circumstances to the unchanging faithfulness of God and His sovereign plan, trusting that even apparent failures can be divinely orchestrated redirections for greater impact. By seeking a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, we can experience the same supernatural joy and empowerment that enabled the early disciples to not only endure but to thrive and continue their mission with unwavering resolve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond to opposition or rejection in my life or faith journey? Is my joy contingent on favorable circumstances?**
* **In what ways can I more intentionally seek to be "filled with the Holy Ghost" to experience supernatural joy and strength, especially during difficult times?**
* **What specific areas of my life need a fresh infusion of Spirit-given joy and resilience to overcome current challenges?**
* **How does the example of the disciples in Acts 13:52 encourage me to persevere in my calling, even when faced with setbacks?**

### FAQ

**How could the disciples be filled with joy immediately after being persecuted and expelled?**

Answer: The joy experienced by the disciples in Acts 13:52 was not a natural human emotion based on pleasant circumstances, but a supernatural, Spirit-given joy. This is a key theological point: Christian joy (_chará_) is a fruit of the Holy Spirit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), rooted in God's presence, promises, and the assurance of His sovereign control, rather than external comfort. Their expulsion, while difficult, was also a fulfillment of Jesus' instructions for when the Gospel was rejected ([Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - Shaking Off Dust")), and it meant they were suffering for Christ, which the New Testament often presents as a cause for rejoicing ([1 Peter 4:13](/1_peter/4-13 "1 Peter 4:13 - Rejoicing in Suffering")). Their inner state reflected God's approval and empowering presence, enabling them to find gladness even in adversity.

**What does it mean to be "filled with the Holy Ghost" in this context?**

Answer: Being "filled with the Holy Ghost" (or Holy Spirit) in Acts 13:52 signifies a fresh, empowering presence and influence of the Spirit. It's not necessarily a one-time event like initial conversion or the Pentecost experience ([Acts 2:4](/acts/2-4 "Acts 2:4 - Pentecost")), but a recurring experience of divine enablement for specific needs or ongoing ministry. In this context, it means the Holy Spirit was actively working within the disciples, providing them with the spiritual resources—joy, peace, courage, and resilience—necessary to cope with persecution and to continue their mission despite rejection. It implies a complete permeation and control by the Spirit, equipping them for faithful endurance and witness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:52, depicting the disciples' joy and Spirit-filling amidst persecution, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who endured immense suffering "for the joy that was set before him" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")). His life, marked by rejection and opposition, culminated in the cross, yet He faced it with divine resolve and an unwavering commitment to His Father's will. The joy and Spirit-filling of the disciples are a direct result of Christ's victory over sin and death, and His subsequent ascension, through which He poured out the Holy Spirit upon His church ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - The Exalted Christ and the Spirit's Outpouring")). The Spirit, whom Jesus promised as the Helper ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), empowers believers to live out the very life of Christ – a life of enduring love, resilient joy, and faithful witness, even when it means suffering for His name. Thus, the disciples' experience in Acts 13:52 is a tangible manifestation of Christ's ongoing work in His church, enabling His followers to share in His sufferings and, more importantly, in His victorious and abiding joy, as they continue His mission in a hostile world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 1:6

¶ And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

Romans 15:13

¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 4:31

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

2 Corinthians 8:2

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

Romans 5:3

And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

Acts 2:4

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.