Acts 13:52

The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost - Though in the world they had tribulation, yet in Christ they had peace; and, while engaged in their Master's work, they always had their Master's wages. The happiness of a genuine Christian lies far beyond the reach of earthly disturbances, and is not affected by the changes and chances to which mortal things are exposed. The martyrs were more happy in the flames than their persecutors could be on their beds of down.

St. Paul's sermon at Antioch has been thus analyzed.

1. His prologue, Acts 13:16, addressed to those who fear God.

2. His narrative of God's goodness to Israel:

1. In their deliverance from Egypt.

2. In their support in the wilderness.

3. In his giving them the land of Canaan.

4. In the judges and kings which he had given for their governors, Acts 13:7-22.

3. His proposition, that Jesus was the Christ, the Savior of the world, Acts 13:23.

4. The illustration of this proposition, proving its truth:

1. From Christ's stock and family, Acts 13:23.

2. From the testimony of his forerunner, Acts 13:24.

3. From the resurrection of Christ, Acts 13:30; which was corroborated with the testimony of many Galileans, Acts 13:31, and of the prophets, David, Acts 13:33, Acts 13:35, and Isaiah, Acts 13:34.

5. He anticipates objections, relative to the unjust condemnation, death and burial of Christ, Acts 13:27-29.

continued...

And the disciples - The disciples in Antioch.

Were filled with joy - This happened even in the midst of persecution, and is one of the many evidences that the gospel is able to fill the soul with joy even in the severest trials.