Although the Greek text merely says “the disciples,” the reference is obviously to the disciples, that is, Christian believers, in Antioch.

As in so many other instances, full of must be expressed by other types of constructions, “they were very joyful” or “joy possessed their hearts.” Similarly, full of … the Holy Spirit may be rendered as “the Holy Spirit completely possessed them.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .