Acts 13:8
But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.
But Elymas the sorcerer
The name "Elymas" is a transliteration of an Arabic or Aramaic word meaning "wise man" or "sorcerer." In the context of Acts 13:8, Elymas is identified as a magician or sorcerer, which indicates his involvement in practices that were contrary to the teachings of the early Christian church. The term "sorcerer" suggests a person who uses magic or witchcraft, often associated with deception and opposition to God's truth. Historically, sorcery was prevalent in the ancient world, and it was often condemned in Jewish and Christian teachings as it led people away from the worship of the one true God.

opposed them
The phrase "opposed them" indicates active resistance and hostility. Elymas's opposition was not passive; he took deliberate steps to counter the message of Paul and Barnabas. This opposition is significant as it highlights the spiritual warfare that the early church faced. The Greek word used here, "anthistemi," means to set oneself against or to withstand. This reflects the broader theme in Acts of the gospel encountering resistance as it spreads, yet ultimately prevailing through the power of the Holy Spirit.

seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith
The proconsul, Sergius Paulus, was a Roman official, and his conversion would have been a significant event for the early church. Elymas's attempt to "turn the proconsul away from the faith" underscores the spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of individuals. The Greek word "diastrepho," translated as "turn away," implies a perversion or distortion of the truth. Elymas sought to prevent the proconsul from embracing the Christian faith, which suggests that the message of the gospel was perceived as a threat to existing power structures and beliefs. This phrase also highlights the importance of discernment and steadfastness in faith when faced with opposition and false teachings.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elymas the Sorcerer
Also known as Bar-Jesus, Elymas is a Jewish false prophet and magician who opposes Paul and Barnabas. His name, Elymas, means "sorcerer" or "wise man," indicating his role in practicing magic and deception.

2. Paul and Barnabas
Early Christian missionaries sent by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel. They encounter Elymas during their mission in Cyprus.

3. Proconsul Sergius Paulus
A Roman official in Cyprus who is described as an intelligent man. He seeks to hear the word of God from Paul and Barnabas.

4. Cyprus
An island in the Mediterranean Sea where Paul and Barnabas begin their missionary journey. It is significant as the first place where they preach the Gospel to Gentiles.

5. The Opposition
The event where Elymas actively tries to prevent the proconsul from accepting the Christian faith, highlighting the spiritual battle between truth and deception.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Opposition is Real
Just as Elymas opposed Paul and Barnabas, believers today face spiritual opposition. We must be vigilant and rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment and strength.

The Power of the Gospel
Despite opposition, the Gospel has the power to transform lives. The proconsul's interest in the message shows that God's word can penetrate even the most resistant hearts.

Discernment in Ministry
Paul and Barnabas demonstrate discernment in recognizing Elymas' intentions. Christians should seek wisdom and discernment in their ministry efforts to identify and counteract false teachings.

The Role of Authority Figures
Sergius Paulus' openness to the Gospel highlights the importance of sharing the message with those in positions of influence, as their conversion can have a broader impact.

Faithfulness in Witnessing
Paul and Barnabas' persistence in the face of opposition encourages believers to remain faithful in witnessing, trusting that God will work through their efforts.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Elymas' opposition to Paul and Barnabas reflect the spiritual battles we face today? What can we learn from their response?

2. In what ways can we seek discernment from the Holy Spirit when encountering false teachings or spiritual deception?

3. How does the conversion of influential figures, like Sergius Paulus, impact the spread of the Gospel? Can you think of modern examples?

4. What strategies can we employ to remain faithful in our witness for Christ, even when facing opposition or discouragement?

5. How do other biblical accounts of sorcerers or false prophets (e.g., Simon the Sorcerer) enhance our understanding of Acts 13:8 and its implications for spiritual warfare?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 8:9-24
Simon the Sorcerer, another figure who practiced magic and opposed the apostles, showing a pattern of spiritual opposition to the Gospel.

2 Timothy 3:8
Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, similar to how Elymas opposes Paul, illustrating the ongoing conflict between God's truth and falsehood.

Ephesians 6:12
The spiritual warfare theme, emphasizing that the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil.
A Place Found At Last for SaulH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 13:2-13
Barnabas and Paul Sent ForthA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 13:2-13
Blessing Sent to OthersActs 13:2-13
Bodily AbstinenceJ. Pulsford.Acts 13:2-13
Church Enterprises, How They Must Begin in Order to be BlessedK. Gerok.Acts 13:2-13
Church OfficesRieger.Acts 13:2-13
Mission and CommissionBp. H. C. Potter.Acts 13:2-13
Missions, Home and ForeignActs 13:2-13
Obligation of Christians to Send Out MissionariesActs 13:2-13
The Best Travelling Attendance for a Departing MissionaryK. Gerok.Acts 13:2-13
The Completion of the ApostolateProf. Von Dollinger.Acts 13:2-13
The Duty of Sending the Gospel to the HeathenActs 13:2-13
The First Foreign MissionM. C. Hazard.Acts 13:2-13
The First Foreign MissionC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 13:2-13
The First Missionary JourneyJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 13:2-13
The First Missionary JourneyT. Binney.Acts 13:2-13
The First Missionary Ordination At AntiochLisco.Acts 13:2-13
The Messengers of the GospelLisco.Acts 13:2-13
The Strength of Missionary WorkK. Gerok.Acts 13:2-13
Work of MissionsR. Roberts.Acts 13:2-13
A Prudent ManJ. N. Norton, D. D.Acts 13:3-12
Christian PrudenceG. Clayton.Acts 13:3-12
CyprusDean Plumptre.Acts 13:3-12
Cyprus and its PeopleC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 13:3-12
Elymas the SorcererDean Plumptre.Acts 13:3-12
John MarkH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 13:3-12
PaphosBp. Jacobson.Acts 13:3-12
Paul and ElymasB. Kent, M. A.Acts 13:3-12
Paul in PaphosK. Gerok.Acts 13:3-12
Paul's Fitness for His MissionH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 13:3-12
Prevalence of SorceryH. B. Hackett, D. D.Acts 13:3-12
Prudence DefinedMilton.Acts 13:3-12
Prudence ImprudentActs 13:3-12
Prudence is Practical WisdomS. Smiles, LL. D.Acts 13:3-12
Prudence is the Art of ChoosingL. M. Stretch.Acts 13:3-12
Prudence, FalseC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 13:3-12
Prudence: its Necessity for Self-ProtectionJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 13:3-12
SalamisBp. Jacobsen.Acts 13:3-12
Saul in CyprusJ. Eadie, D. D.Acts 13:3-12
Seeking for the TruthJ. M. Charlton, M. d.Acts 13:3-12
SeleuciaBp. Jacobsen.Acts 13:3-12
Sergius PaulusK. Gerok.Acts 13:3-12
The First Missionary IntelligenceK. Gerok.Acts 13:3-12
The First Missionary ShipK. Gerok.Acts 13:3-12
They Preached the Word of GodC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 13:3-12
To the Jew FirstH. C. Trumbull, D. D.Acts 13:3-12
Undying FameArchdeacon Farrar.Acts 13:3-12
The Gospel in CyprusR.A. Redford Acts 13:4-12
The Mission in CyprusE. Johnson Acts 13:4-12
Forwardness and FrailtyW. Clarkson Acts 13:4-13
People
Barjesus, Barnabas, Benjamin, Cis, David, Elymas, Herod, Israelites, Jesse, John, Kish, Lucius, Manaen, Niger, Paul, Pilate, Samuel, Saul, Sergius, Simeon
Places
Canaan, Cyprus, Cyrene, Egypt, Galilee, Iconium, Jerusalem, Pamphylia, Paphos, Perga, Pisidia, Pisidian Antioch, Salamis, Seleucia, Syrian Antioch
Topics
Aside, Deputy, Elymas, El'ymas, Faith, Interpretation, Interpreted, Magian, Magician, Meaning, Opposed, Opposing, Pervert, Proconsul, Purpose, Ruler, Seeking, Sense, Sorcerer, Translated, Tried, Turn, Turning, Withstood, Wonder-worker
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 13:8

     2426   gospel, responses
     5814   confrontation
     8028   faith, body of beliefs
     8739   evil, examples of
     8787   opposition, to God

Acts 13:4-12

     4248   islands

Acts 13:6-8

     7742   missionaries, support

Acts 13:6-11

     4185   sorcery and magic
     7774   prophets, false

Acts 13:6-12

     4155   divination
     5109   Paul, apostle
     8483   spiritual warfare, causes

Acts 13:7-8

     5464   proconsul

Acts 13:8-10

     4121   Satan, enemy of God
     4125   Satan, agents of

Acts 13:8-11

     1310   God, as judge

Library
Easter Tuesday
Text: Acts 13, 26-39. 26 Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth. 27 For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. 28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet asked they of Pilate that he should be slain. 29 And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, they
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

John Mark
'... John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.' --ACTS xiii. 13. The few brief notices of John Mark in Scripture are sufficient to give us an outline of his life, and some inkling of his character. He was the son of a well-to-do Christian woman in Jerusalem, whose house appears to have been the resort of the brethren as early as the period of Peter's miraculous deliverance from prison. As the cousin of Barnabas he was naturally selected to be the attendant and secular factotum of Paul and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Unworthy of Life
'... Seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.'--ACTS xiii. 46. So ended the first attempt on Paul's great missionary journey to preach to the Jews. It is described at great length and the sermon given in full because it is the first. A wonderful sermon it was; touching all keys of feeling, now pleading almost with tears, now flashing with indignation, now calmly dealing with Scripture prophecies, now glowing as it tells the story of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

'Full of the Holy Ghost'
'And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.'--Acts xiii. 52. That joy was as strange as a garden full of flowers would be in bitter winter weather. For everything in the circumstances of these disciples tended to make them sad. They had been but just won from heathenism, and they were raw, ignorant, unfit to stand alone. Paul and Barnabas, their only guides, had been hunted out of Antioch by a mob, and it would have been no wonder if these disciples had felt as if they had been
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Why Saul Became Paul
'Saul (who also is called Paul)' ...--ACTS xiii. 9 Hitherto the Apostle has been known by the former of these names, henceforward he is known exclusively by the latter. Hitherto he has been second to his friend Barnabas, henceforward he is first. In an earlier verse of the chapter we read that 'Barnabas and Saul' were separated for their missionary work, and again, that it was 'Barnabas and Saul' for whom the governor of Cyprus sent, to hear the word of the Lord. But in a subsequent verse of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

To the Regions Beyond
'Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. A. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The First Preaching in Asia Minor
'Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 27. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 28. And though they found no cause of death in Him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. 29. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Luther --A Stone on the Cairn
'For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37. But He, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.'--ACTS xiii. 36, 37. I take these words as a motto rather than as a text. You will have anticipated the use which I purpose to make of them in connection with the Luther Commemoration. They set before us, in clear sharp contrast, the distinction between the limited, transient work of the servants and the unbounded,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers
'And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47. For so hath the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Gospel Missions
I SHALL not confine myself to the text. It being an old custom to take texts when we preach, I have taken one, but I shall address you, at large, upon a subject which I am sure will occupy your attention, and has done for many days and years past--the subject of gospel missions. We feel persuaded that all of you are of one mind in this matter, that it is the absolute duty as well as the eminent privilege of the Church to proclaim the gospel to the world. We do not conceive that God will do his own
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

His Own Funeral Sermon
* This sermon was preached on the Lord's-day evening after Mr. William Olney "fell on sleep." Long before the beloved preacher was "called home," it was selected for publication this week. Mrs. Spurgeon feels that her dear husband could not have delivered a more suitable discourse for "his own funeral sermon." She has, therefore, given it that title in the hope that many will be blessed by the message which "he, being dead, yet speaketh." Believing that many friends will wish to have this sermon
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Separated unto the Holy Ghost
"Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen . . . and Saul. "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, departed unto Seleucia" (Acts 13:1-4). In the story
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

In Endeavouring to Prove that Such Intercession Derives Some Support from Scripture they Labour In...
In endeavouring to prove that such intercession derives some support from Scripture they labour in vain. We frequently read (they say) of the prayers of angels, and not only so, but the prayers of believers are said to be carried into the presence of God by their hands. But if they would compare saints who have departed this life with angels, it will be necessary to prove that saints are ministering spirits, to whom has been delegated the office of superintending our salvation, to whom has been assigned
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

Mr. Moody and Rev. Marcus Rainsford.
HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN. MR. MOODY.--Mr. Rainsford, how can one make room in their heart for Christ? Rev. M. Rainsford.--First, do we really want Christ to be in our hearts? If we do, the best thing will be to ask Him to come and make room for Himself. He will surely come and do so. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." "Without Me ye can do nothing." Mr. M.--Will Christ crowd out the world if He comes in? Mr. R.--He spake a parable to that effect. "When a strong man armed
Dwight L. Moody—Sovereign Grace

The Man after God's Own Heart
"A man after mine own heart, who shall fulfil all my will."--ACTS xiii. 22. A BIBLE STUDY ON THE IDEAL OF A CHRISTIAN LIFE No man can be making much of his life who has not a very definite conception of what he is living for. And if you ask, at random, a dozen men what is the end of their life, you will be surprised to find how few have formed to themselves more than the most dim idea. The question of the summum bonum has ever been the most difficult for the human mind to grasp. What shall a man
Henry Drummond—The Ideal Life

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant).
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Holy Spirit Sending Men Forth to Definite Lines of Work.
We read in Acts xiii. 2-4, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed into Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus." It is evident from this passage that the Holy Spirit calls men into definite lines of work and sends them forth into the work. He not
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Via Dolorosa
We have finished the first part of our theme--the Trial of Jesus--and turn now to the second and more solemn part of it--His Death. The trial had been little better than a mockery of justice: on the part of the ecclesiastical authority it was a foregone conclusion, and on the part of the civil authority it was the surrender of a life acknowledged to be innocent to the ends of selfishness and policy. But at last it was over, and nothing remained but to carry the unjust sentence into execution.
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

The Kingdom Conquering the World
Acts Page Paul's Epistles Page Outline for Study of Epistles Page I Thessalonians Page I Corinthians Page Romans Page Philippians Page II Timothy Page The General Epistles Page Questions on the Book of James Page Studies in I and II Peter Page I John Page THE ACTS I. Author: 1. Name. 2. Number of
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible

The Extension of the Church Throughout the World
A.D. 45-70 Section 1. The First Mission to the Gentiles. [Sidenote: A.D. 45.] [Sidenote: St. Paul and St. Barnabas sent to preach to the heathen.] It would seem that in the special Eucharistic offerings and Lenten discipline mentioned by St. Luke[1], the Church in Antioch was seeking guidance of her Divine Head as to her duties with respect to the gentile world in the midst of which she was placed; and that the command of the Holy Ghost to consecrate St. Paul and St. Barnabas as Apostles to the
John Henry Blunt—A Key to the Knowledge of Church History

Early Life the Place of Paul +The Man
STUDY I EARLY LIFE THE PLACE OF PAUL +The Man, Paul,+ judged by the influence he has exerted in the world, is one of the greatest characters in all history. He is pre-eminent not only as a missionary, but as a marvelous thinker and writer. "He was a personality of vast power, force, and individuality." There are some men who seem to be born and prepared to do a large work for the world; Paul makes the impression upon those who carefully read the record of his life that he stands first in this class
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

First Missionary Journey Scripture
STUDY III FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY Scripture, Acts 13:1-14:26 INTRODUCTION TO THE THREE MISSIONARY JOURNEYS Before taking up the study of the first missionary journey, attention is called to certain points which should be considered in regard to all three of them (Acts 13:1-21:17). We have now arrived at what we might call the watershed of the Acts of the Apostles. Hitherto we have had various scenes, characters, personages to consider. Henceforth Paul, his labors, his disputes, his speeches, occupy
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

Paul's Missionary Labors.
The public life of Paul, from the third year after his conversion to his martyrdom, a.d. 40-64, embraces a quarter of a century, three great missionary campaigns with minor expeditions, five visits to Jerusalem, and at least four years of captivity in Caesarea and Rome. Some extend it to a.d. 67 or 68. It may be divided into five or six periods, as follows: 1. a.d. 40-44. The period of preparatory labors in Syria and his native Cilicia, partly alone, partly in connection with Barnabas, his senior
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Links
Acts 13:8 NIV
Acts 13:8 NLT
Acts 13:8 ESV
Acts 13:8 NASB
Acts 13:8 KJV

Acts 13:8 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Acts 13:7
Top of Page
Top of Page