Acts 13:6

KJV

And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name [was] Barjesus:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when they had gone through {G1330} the isle {G3520} unto {G891} Paphos {G3974}, they found {G2147} a certain {G5100} sorcerer {G3097}, a false prophet {G5578}, a Jew {G2453}, whose {G3739} name {G3686} was Barjesus {G919}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and thus they made their way throughout the whole island.

They ended up in Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and pseudo-prophet named Bar-Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus,

American Standard Version

And when they had gone through the whole island unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-Jesus;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:6 marks a pivotal moment in Paul's first missionary journey, as he, Barnabas, and John Mark arrive in Paphos, the Roman capital of Cyprus. Here, they immediately encounter Barjesus, a figure described ominously as a "sorcerer," a "false prophet," and a "Jew," setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation that highlights the spiritual opposition inherent in the spread of the Gospel. This verse introduces the primary antagonist who will attempt to hinder the divine mission, underscoring the reality of spiritual warfare against the truth of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13 begins with the Holy Spirit commissioning Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for their missionary journey, sending them from Antioch (Syria) to Cyprus, Barnabas's home island. After preaching in the synagogues of Salamis on the eastern coast, they traverse the entire island (Acts 13:5). Acts 13:6 specifically places them in Paphos, the Roman administrative center on the western end of Cyprus. This verse serves as the immediate setup for the dramatic confrontation with Barjesus (also known as Elymas) and the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus in the subsequent verses ([Acts 13:7-12](/acts/13-7-12 "Acts 13:7-12 - Paul Blinds Elymas")). The encounter here is the first major spiritual conflict recorded in Paul's missionary endeavors, establishing a pattern of opposition that would follow the apostolic preaching.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Cyprus was a Roman senatorial province, and Paphos served as its capital, making it a significant hub for Roman administration and culture. The city was also renowned for its temple dedicated to Aphrodite, a major center of pagan worship. In the broader Greco-Roman world, the practice of magic, divination, and sorcery was widespread, often intertwined with religious beliefs and sought after by those in power for guidance or influence. The presence of Jewish communities throughout the diaspora, including Cyprus, meant that synagogues were often the initial points of contact for the apostles. The description of Barjesus as both a "sorcerer" and a "Jew" is particularly striking, highlighting the complex religious landscape and the potential for syncretism or outright deception even within a monotheistic heritage.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that resonate throughout the book of Acts and the New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Spiritual Opposition and Warfare**, as the proclamation of the Gospel immediately elicits direct resistance from forces aligned with darkness. The characterization of Barjesus as a "sorcerer" and "false prophet" underscores the theme of **Deception and Falsehood**, contrasting sharply with the divine truth proclaimed by Paul and Barnabas. His identity as a "Jew" introduces the theme of **Internal Conflict within Judaism** regarding the Messiah, demonstrating that not all who shared a common heritage would embrace the Gospel. This encounter also foreshadows the **Power of God's Word** to expose and overcome all forms of human or demonic resistance, setting the stage for the dramatic display of divine authority in [Acts 13:11](/acts/13-11 "Acts 13:11 - Paul Blinds Elymas").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sorcerer (Greek, _mágos_):** This term, while sometimes referring to "wise men" (as in the Magi who visited Jesus in [Matthew 2:1](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1 - The Visit of the Magi")), in this context, especially when paired with "false prophet," carries a distinctly negative connotation. It denotes an individual practicing magic, occult arts, or divination, often with deceptive intent and for personal gain or influence. It implies a manipulation of spiritual forces contrary to God's will.
* **false prophet (Greek, _pseudoprophḗtēs_):** This compound word clearly identifies Barjesus as someone who falsely claims to speak for God or to possess divine insight. He is a religious impostor, a purveyor of lies and spiritual deception, contrasting sharply with the true prophets of God and the Holy Spirit-inspired apostles.
* **Jew (Greek, _Ioudaîos_):** This descriptor is highly significant. It indicates that Barjesus was not a pagan magician but someone from the covenant people of Israel. This highlights the tragic irony of a person with a heritage of divine revelation actively opposing God's new work in Christ, demonstrating that spiritual blindness and deception could exist even among those who possessed the Law and the Prophets.
* **Barjesus (Chaldee, _Bariēsoûs_):** Meaning "son of Jesus" or "son of Joshua," this name stands in stark and bitter irony to the man's character and actions. While his name links him to a lineage associated with salvation and leadership (Jesus/Joshua), he acts as an agent of darkness, attempting to turn others away from the true Son of God, Jesus Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos":** This phrase establishes the geographical progression of Paul's first missionary journey. Having landed in Salamis on the eastern coast of Cyprus, the missionary team (Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark) traversed the entire island, likely preaching along the way, until they reached Paphos on the western side. This journey signifies their comprehensive evangelistic effort across the region.
* **"they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew":** This tripartite description immediately introduces the central antagonist of the narrative. The progression of labels—"sorcerer" (practitioner of occult arts), "false prophet" (claiming divine inspiration but delivering falsehoods), and "a Jew" (from the covenant people)—paints a comprehensive picture of Barjesus's deceptive and religiously contradictory nature. The "Jew" descriptor is particularly jarring, emphasizing that spiritual opposition could arise not just from paganism but from within the very community that possessed God's revelation.
* **"whose name [was] Barjesus":** This final clause provides the specific name of the individual. As detailed in the key word analysis, the name "Barjesus" (son of Jesus/Joshua) is profoundly ironic, as this man's actions directly oppose the true Jesus and His saving work. This name sets up a dramatic contrast between his identity and his spiritual allegiance.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 13:6 effectively employs **Irony** and **Juxtaposition** to heighten the dramatic tension. The most prominent irony lies in the name **Barjesus**, meaning "son of Jesus" or "son of Joshua," for a man who actively opposes the true Jesus and His Gospel. This linguistic irony underscores the spiritual perversion of his character. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the immediate encounter: the apostles, bearers of divine truth and power, arrive in Paphos only to "find" a "sorcerer" and "false prophet." This immediate confrontation highlights the clash between light and darkness, truth and deception, which is a recurring motif in the book of Acts. The verse also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, signaling that the spread of the Gospel will not be unopposed but will encounter direct spiritual warfare, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:6 powerfully illustrates the inherent conflict between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. The immediate appearance of a "sorcerer" and "false prophet" upon the apostles' arrival in Paphos signifies that the proclamation of God's truth inevitably provokes spiritual opposition. This encounter underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, where deception and occult practices are employed to hinder the advance of the Gospel. It also highlights the critical need for discernment, as false teachers and deceptive ideologies can emerge from unexpected places, even from within religious traditions. The divine power that will later expose and overcome Barjesus serves as a testament to God's ultimate sovereignty over all forms of spiritual manipulation and falsehood.

* [Deuteronomy 18:9-14](/deuteronomy/18-9-14 "Deuteronomy 18:9-14 - Abominable Practices"): This passage explicitly forbids various forms of divination, sorcery, and occult practices, clearly defining them as an abomination to the Lord, setting the Old Testament precedent for the condemnation of Barjesus's activities.
* [2 Timothy 3:8](/2_timothy/3-8 "2 Timothy 3:8 - Jannes and Jambres"): Paul himself later references Jannes and Jambres, who "opposed Moses," stating that "these also oppose the truth." This provides a parallel to Barjesus, showing a consistent pattern of spiritual opposition to God's messengers throughout history.
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets"): Jesus's warning to "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves," directly applies to figures like Barjesus, who outwardly might appear religious or wise but inwardly seek to deceive and destroy.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:6 serves as a timeless reminder that the mission of God's people will invariably encounter spiritual opposition. While modern manifestations of "sorcery" and "false prophecy" may differ from ancient forms, the underlying spiritual warfare remains constant. Today, this opposition can take the form of deceptive ideologies, misleading spiritual movements, or even subtle influences that seek to undermine biblical truth and distract believers from their mission. This verse calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, relying on the Holy Spirit to distinguish truth from error and to recognize the subtle and overt tactics of the enemy. It also encourages boldness in proclaiming the Gospel, knowing that God's power is infinitely greater than any opposition. Just as Paul confronted Barjesus, we are called to stand firm in the truth, confident that Christ has already triumphed over all the powers of darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do modern "false prophets" or deceptive ideologies manifest in our society, and what are their characteristics?**
* **What role does spiritual discernment play in a believer's life today, and how can it be cultivated?**
* **How can we, as believers, stand firm against spiritual opposition and proclaim the Gospel boldly in a world filled with competing narratives?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that Barjesus was a Jew?**

Answer: The fact that Barjesus was a "Jew" is highly significant because it highlights that spiritual deception and opposition to God's truth are not confined to paganism or non-believing cultures. It demonstrates that even those with a heritage of divine revelation, who possessed the Law and the Prophets, could become agents of falsehood and actively oppose God's new work in Christ. This underscores the internal conflict within Judaism regarding the Messiah and serves as a stark warning that spiritual blindness can afflict anyone, regardless of their religious background or lineage. It also emphasizes that the battle for truth is waged on multiple fronts, sometimes from within the very communities expected to uphold it.

**What does "sorcerer" imply in this context?**

Answer: In the context of Acts 13:6, "sorcerer" (Greek, *mágos*) implies an individual who practices magic, occult arts, or divination. Unlike the "wise men" who sought Jesus in [Matthew 2:1](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1 - The Visit of the Magi"), this term here carries a negative connotation, especially when paired with "false prophet." It refers to someone who manipulates spiritual forces or claims supernatural power for personal gain, influence, or to deceive others, in direct opposition to the true power of God. Barjesus was not a genuine prophet of God but an impostor who used occult means to gain sway over people, including the proconsul Sergius Paulus.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:6, with its introduction of Barjesus, a "sorcerer" and "false prophet" who opposes the Gospel, powerfully foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle that Christ Himself came to conquer. Barjesus embodies the forces of darkness and deception that have always sought to blind humanity to God's truth, much like Satan, the "god of this world," who "has blinded the minds of the unbelievers" ([2 Corinthians 4:4](/2_corinthians/4-4 "2 Corinthians 4:4 - The God of This World")). Christ's entire ministry was a confrontation with these powers, culminating in His victory on the cross, where He "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). Paul's encounter with Barjesus is thus an extension of Christ's triumph, demonstrating that the authority given to the apostles is the very power of the resurrected Christ, able to expose and overcome all forms of spiritual darkness and deception. The Gospel, which Paul preaches, is the true power of God for salvation ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")), a power that utterly eclipses and renders impotent the false powers of sorcery and false prophecy.

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

Matthew 7:15

¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

1 John 4:1

¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 Corinthians 11:13

For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

Deuteronomy 13:1

¶ If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

Deuteronomy 13:3

Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

2 Peter 2:1

¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.