And the disciples (ο τε or ο δε μαθητα). The Gentile Christians in Antioch in Pisidia. Persecution had precisely the opposite effect to the intention of the Jews for they "were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit" (επληρουντο χαρας κα πνευματος αγιου). Imperfect passive, they kept on being filled. It had been so before (Acts 4:31; Acts 8:4; Acts 9:31; Acts 12:24). The blood of the martyrs is still the seed of the church.