Topical Bible: Paul: Contends With Elymas (Bar-Jesus) the Sorcerer

◄ Paul: Contends With Elymas (Bar-Jesus) the Sorcerer ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The encounter between the Apostle Paul and Elymas the Sorcerer, also known as Bar-Jesus, is a significant event recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, specifically in Acts 13:4-12. This episode highlights the early church's confrontation with spiritual opposition and the power of the Holy Spirit working through the apostles.

Context and Background

The event takes place during Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey, which began in Antioch. Sent out by the Holy Spirit, they traveled to the island of Cyprus, preaching the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. Accompanying them was John Mark, who assisted them in their ministry.

The Encounter

Upon reaching Paphos, the capital of Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas encountered a Jewish false prophet and sorcerer named Bar-Jesus, who was also known as Elymas. Elymas was an attendant of the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man who sought to hear the word of God from the apostles.

Elymas, however, opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. This opposition was not merely a personal affront but a spiritual battle, as Elymas attempted to thwart the spread of the Gospel and maintain his influence over Sergius Paulus.

Paul's Rebuke and the Miracle

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul, also known as Saul, confronted Elymas directly. In Acts 13:10-11 , Paul declared, "You are a child of the devil and an enemy of all righteousness. You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord? Now look, the hand of the Lord is against you, and for a time you will be blind and unable to see the light of the sun."

Immediately, a mist and darkness came over Elymas, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. This miraculous judgment served as a powerful demonstration of God's authority and the truth of the Gospel message.

The Outcome

The proconsul, Sergius Paulus, witnessed the power of God through this event and believed, being astonished at the teaching about the Lord. This conversion marked a significant victory for the early church, as a Roman official came to faith in Christ.

Theological Significance

This encounter underscores several key themes in the New Testament. First, it illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare and the opposition that the Gospel faces from those who are aligned with deceit and unrighteousness. Second, it demonstrates the authority and power of the Holy Spirit working through the apostles to overcome such opposition. Finally, it highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, capable of reaching and converting individuals from all walks of life, including those in positions of power.

The account of Paul contending with Elymas the Sorcerer serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle between light and darkness and the ultimate victory of God's truth over deception. It encourages believers to rely on the Holy Spirit's power in their own lives as they witness to the truth of the Gospel.

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Acts 13:6-12
And when they had gone through the isle to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
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