In my research for my upcoming novel about Phillip the Evangelist, I notice this verse In Acts 11:24, where Luke describes Barnabas in a remarkable way:
“For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.”
The word “full” comes from the Greek πλήρης (plērēs), meaning not just topped off, but completely filled—saturated, dominated, characterized by. Barnabas wasn’t occasionally touched by the spirit; he was full of the spirit’s presence in his daily life.
To be “full of the Holy Spirit” means more than a one-time experience. It describes a continual reality of letting God’s spirit guide, empower, and shape us. Just as a vessel filled to the brim leaves no room for anything else, a believer filled with the spirit leaves less room for self, pride, anxiety or fear.
Barnabas’ fullness led to fruit: encouragement, faith, and evangelism. The result? “A great many people were added to the Lord.”
Something to think about. So that we shine so bright that others are drawn to Christ through us.
Gratitude,
Anthony Barbera
Sept-31-25
