Contagious Joy

But the Jews worked upon some of the devout women of the upper classes and the leading men of the city and persuaded them to turn against Paul and Barnabas and expel them from their territory. So they shook the dust from their feet in defiance and went off to Iconium; but the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Acts:13:50-52

Paul and Barnabas are attracting huge crowds in Antioch and also jealousy from the religious leaders.  This prompts Paul and Barnabas to switch tacts and preach the Good News to the pagans who received it with great joy.

What on the outside appears to be a defeat (expulsion from Antioch) is received by the disciples as a cause for great joy.  The Church continues to grow with gentile converts adding to their numbers.  The proclaimed Good News is irrepressible.  In its wake flows disciples "filled with joy and the Holy Spirit" Acts.13:52.

This is the sort of church I want to be part of.  Being filled with joy and the Holy Spirit sounds like an attractive attribute.  We have just past the middle of Easter season.  Now is a time to be filled with joy and filled with the Holy Spirit... today!

Lord Jesus, You are the source of great joy for me.  Send the Holy Spirit into my life that my joy may be contagious.

Saints Paul and Barnabas, please pray for me.