I haven't studied how many times joy is mentioned in the book of Acts.

Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

I am just surprised that they mention joy so much. There is alot of joy with the fact that Gentiles were coming to Jesus and being filled with the spirit and throwing off traditions and habits that were cultural. Under the shadow of saddening circumstances and upsetting losses, like James having been killed and the beatings that they suffered the word joy is the most interesting description of their state of being, as a Church.

Pessimistic, I might expect. They were directed in their perspective, by wise and Holy Spirit filled men, who were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak joy into their souls. Who wouldn't want this experience? That is the wonder of looking at the first-century church.

1. The wonder of people from different walks of life being unified in Christ to do spectacular things on the earth.

2. the wonder of men who earlier were cooped in an upper room for fear, taking beatings and growing in Grace to speak joy into the hearts of new believers.

3. The wonder of Gentiles believing the truth of Christ and selling all of their pasts for an uncharted future.

4. The wonder of an invisible Church unity that was developed in a generation and lasting to this day.

5. The fact that the joy of Jesus was clearly uncircumstantial and not linked to any one culture's distinctives.

Conflict and fightings within and without didn't dispel the joy of the new Church and that is astounding to me. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and not situational. Joy is indelible. Joy is constructive. Joy is a posession of the believer and not culturally wrought.

We are one in the Spirit and All are ours.

6 References to joy Found in the book of Acts.

Acts 2:28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Acts 8:8 And there was great joy in that city.

Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 24:2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,