Acts 13:10

KJV

And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, [thou] child of the devil, [thou] enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {G2036}, O {G5599} full {G4134} of all {G3956} subtilty {G1388} and {G2532} all {G3956} mischief {G4468}, thou child {G5207} of the devil {G1228}, thou enemy {G2190} of all {G3956} righteousness {G1343}, wilt thou {G3973} not {G3756} cease {G3973} to pervert {G1294} the right {G2117} ways {G3598} of the Lord {G2962}?

Complete Jewish Bible

“You son of Satan, full of fraud and evil! You enemy of everything good! Won’t you ever stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?

Berean Standard Bible

and said, “O child of the devil and 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?

American Standard Version

and said, O full of all guile and all villany, thou son of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 13:10, the Apostle Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, delivers a scathing rebuke to Elymas the sorcerer, also known as Bar-Jesus, who was attempting to hinder Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul, from embracing the Christian faith. Paul's powerful denunciation exposes Elymas's true spiritual nature, identifying him as a deceiver, an agent of the devil, and an adversary of divine truth, actively seeking to distort the clear path of the Lord. This pivotal moment underscores the spiritual warfare inherent in the proclamation of the Gospel and the divine authority vested in God's messengers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13 marks a significant turning point in the book of Acts, initiating Paul's first missionary journey, accompanied by Barnabas and John Mark. After ministering in Salamis, they arrive in Paphos, the capital of Cyprus. Here, they encounter Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, described as an intelligent man eager to hear the word of God. However, his consultant, a Jewish sorcerer named Bar-Jesus (Elymas), actively opposes Paul and Barnabas, attempting to dissuade the proconsul from faith. Acts 13:9 explicitly states that Paul, "filled with the Holy Spirit," fixed his gaze on Elymas, setting the stage for the direct confrontation in verse 10. The immediate consequence of Paul's rebuke is Elymas's temporary blindness (as described in [Acts 13:11](/acts/13-11 "Acts 13:11 - Elymas Struck Blind")), which serves as a divine sign validating Paul's words and leading Sergius Paulus to believe, astonished by the Lord's teaching.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Cyprus was a Roman senatorial province, and Sergius Paulus, as proconsul, was a high-ranking Roman official. The presence of sorcerers and magicians like Elymas was common in the Greco-Roman world, where various forms of divination, magic, and philosophical systems competed for influence. Many, like Elymas, were Jewish, blending Jewish traditions with occult practices, often exploiting people for personal gain. The term "Bar-Jesus" (son of Jesus/Joshua) might suggest a claim to divine power or prophetic insight, which Elymas used to exert influence. Paul's confrontation of Elymas was not merely a theological debate but a direct challenge to a powerful figure who embodied the spiritual darkness and deception prevalent in the culture, obstructing the advance of the Gospel. This encounter highlights the clash between the true power of God and the deceptive arts of the occult.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 13:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, demonstrating that the spread of the Gospel is not merely an intellectual or social endeavor but a direct confrontation with spiritual forces of evil that seek to hinder God's purposes. Paul's Spirit-filled rebuke shows that believers are equipped to stand against such opposition, as seen throughout the early church's ministry (e.g., [Acts 8:9-24](/acts/8-9-24 "Acts 8:9-24 - Simon the Sorcerer")). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Authority and Empowerment**, as Paul's words are not his own but a direct utterance from God, validated by the immediate miraculous judgment. This highlights God's active involvement in His mission and His protection of His messengers. Thirdly, the verse underscores the stark contrast between **Truth and Deception**, portraying Elymas as one who actively "perverts the right ways of the Lord," in opposition to the clear, saving truth of the Gospel proclaimed by Paul and Barnabas. This echoes the biblical emphasis on discerning truth from error, a recurring motif in the New Testament (e.g., [2 Timothy 3:1-9](/2_timothy/3-1-9 "2 Timothy 3:1-9 - Perilous Times and False Teachers")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Subtilty (Greek, _dólos'_):** This term refers to deceit, cunning, or trickery, often involving a bait or wile. In this context, it highlights Elymas's deceptive nature and his use of manipulative tactics to mislead Sergius Paulus and obstruct the truth of the Gospel. It implies a deliberate, artful deception rather than simple error.
* **Devil (Greek, _diábolos'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to traduce" or "to slander," this word primarily refers to Satan, the ultimate adversary. Calling Elymas a "child of the devil" is a profound spiritual indictment, signifying that his character, actions, and ultimate allegiance are aligned with the devil's purposes, marked by slander, opposition, and a desire to destroy God's work.
* **Pervert (Greek, _diastréphō'_):** This verb means to distort, twist, or turn away from the correct path. It implies a deliberate corruption or misinterpretation of what is true and right. Paul's accusation indicates that Elymas was not merely mistaken but actively and maliciously attempting to distort the clear, righteous path (the "right ways") of the Lord, leading others astray from divine truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief,"**: Paul begins his rebuke with a powerful, direct address, using the vocative "O" (G5599) to emphasize the intensity of his condemnation. He declares Elymas to be completely saturated ("full of all," G4134, G3956) with "subtilty" (G1388, deceit, cunning) and "mischief" (G4468, recklessness, malignity, villainy). This opening statement immediately establishes Elymas's character as fundamentally deceptive and malicious, highlighting his moral and spiritual depravity. The repetition of "all" underscores the pervasive nature of these negative qualities in him.
* **"[thou] child of the devil,"**: This is a severe spiritual denunciation. By calling Elymas a "child of the devil" (G5207, G1228), Paul asserts that Elymas's spiritual parentage and allegiance are with Satan. This is not a literal biological relationship but a figurative one, indicating that Elymas's character, motives, and actions are consistent with the devil's work—namely, opposing God and His truth, and leading people into deception. It signifies a complete alignment with evil.
* **"[thou] enemy of all righteousness,"**: Following the previous indictment, Paul further defines Elymas's nature as an "enemy" (G2190, hostile adversary) of "all righteousness" (G1343, G3956, equity of character or act, justification). This means Elymas is fundamentally opposed to everything that is morally upright, just, and aligned with God's character and will. His very being is set against divine truth and goodness, making him an antagonist to God's righteous plan for humanity.
* **"wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?"**: This is a forceful rhetorical question, expressing Paul's indignation and demanding an end to Elymas's destructive behavior. To "pervert" (G1294, distort, twist) the "right ways" (G2117, straight, true; G3598, paths, modes) of the "Lord" (G2962, supreme authority, Master) means to deliberately corrupt or lead astray from God's clear, true, and righteous path. Paul highlights Elymas's active and persistent efforts to obstruct the divine will and mislead those seeking God's truth, specifically the proconsul.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's confrontation with Elymas in Acts 13:10 is rich with **rhetorical force** and employs several literary devices to amplify its impact. The most striking is **Apostrophe**, where Paul directly addresses Elymas with a series of accusatory epithets, creating a dramatic and confrontational tone. The repeated use of the intensifier "all" (**Hyperbole/Intensification**) in "full of **all** subtilty and **all** mischief" and "enemy of **all** righteousness" serves to emphasize the pervasive and total nature of Elymas's depravity, leaving no room for ambiguity about his character. The phrases "child of the devil" and "enemy of all righteousness" are powerful **Metaphors** that define Elymas's spiritual identity and allegiance, revealing his true nature beyond his outward profession or magical abilities. Finally, Paul employs a **Rhetorical Question** ("wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?"), which, rather than seeking an answer, serves as a forceful condemnation and a demand for Elymas to desist from his wicked actions, underscoring the gravity of his opposition to God's truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:10 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of spiritual opposition and the authority of God's messengers. It reveals that those who actively oppose the Gospel are not merely misguided but are often agents of spiritual darkness, aligning themselves with the devil's purposes. Paul's Spirit-filled denunciation underscores the reality of a cosmic battle between light and darkness, truth and deception. The "right ways of the Lord" represent God's revealed truth and His righteous path for humanity, which the enemy consistently seeks to pervert. This passage affirms that God empowers His servants to confront and overcome such spiritual forces, validating His message through divine judgment when necessary. It is a powerful reminder that the proclamation of the Kingdom of God inevitably encounters resistance from the kingdom of darkness, but God's power ultimately prevails.

* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")
* [2 Corinthians 11:13-15](/2_corinthians/11-13-15 "2 Corinthians 11:13-15 - False Apostles Disguised as Servants of Righteousness")
* [1 John 3:8-10](/1_john/3-8-10 "1 John 3:8-10 - The Children of God and the Children of the Devil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:10 serves as a potent reminder for believers today that the proclamation of the Gospel will inevitably encounter spiritual opposition. Just as Elymas sought to "pervert the right ways of the Lord," so too will contemporary forces of deception, false ideologies, and spiritual darkness attempt to obscure or distort God's truth. This passage calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that not all opposition is merely human, but often stems from deeper spiritual roots. Like Paul, we are called to be filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling us to speak truth with courage and authority, even in the face of hostility. It encourages us not to shy away from confronting error, but to do so with the wisdom and power that comes from God, trusting that His truth will ultimately prevail. Our mission is to illuminate God's "right ways" clearly and unequivocally, standing firm against any attempt to mislead or pervert the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's Spirit-filled confrontation of Elymas challenge my own approach to spiritual opposition or difficult conversations about faith?**
* **In what ways might the "right ways of the Lord" be subtly or overtly perverted in our contemporary culture, and how can I contribute to upholding biblical truth?**
* **What does it mean for me to be "filled with the Holy Spirit" in a way that equips me to discern and confront spiritual deception in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul use such harsh language against Elymas?**

Answer: Paul's strong language was not a result of personal anger or a lack of self-control, but rather a divinely inspired denunciation of spiritual evil. The text explicitly states that Paul was "[filled with the Holy Spirit](/acts/13-9 "Acts 13:9 - Paul Filled with the Holy Spirit")" just before he spoke. His words were a prophetic indictment, exposing Elymas's true nature as an agent of the devil who was actively hindering the work of God. The severity of the language ("child of the devil," "enemy of all righteousness") reflects the gravity of Elymas's sin: deliberately attempting to "pervert the right ways of the Lord" and prevent a high-ranking official from hearing and believing the Gospel. This was a spiritual battle, and Paul, acting under divine authority, delivered a judgment, not merely a rebuke.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:10, with Paul's forceful confrontation of Elymas, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the embodiment of "the right ways of the Lord," declaring Himself to be "[the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")" (John 14:6). Elymas's attempt to "pervert" these ways is a direct assault on Christ's very nature and mission. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently confronted spiritual darkness and the works of the devil, casting out demons and exposing the deceit of those who opposed God's truth, much like His strong rebukes to the Pharisees (e.g., [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Jesus Denounces the Scribes and Pharisees")). The title "child of the devil" echoes Jesus's own words to those who rejected Him, stating that "[You are of your father the devil](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - You Are of Your Father the Devil")" (John 8:44). Ultimately, Christ's death and resurrection represent the decisive victory over "[the ruler of this world](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Judgment on the Ruler of This World")" (John 12:31) and "[the powers and authorities](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")" (Colossians 2:15), disarming them publicly. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, acts as an agent of this already accomplished victory, demonstrating that believers, empowered by Christ, participate in His ongoing triumph over spiritual forces that seek to pervert the glorious Gospel.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 8:44

Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Hosea 14:9

Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Matthew 13:38

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked [one];

Galatians 1:7

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

1 John 3:8

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Luke 11:52

Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.