Acts 13:8

KJV

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Elymas {G1681} the sorcerer {G3097}(for {G1063} so {G3779} is his {G846} name {G3686} by interpretation {G3177}) withstood {G436} them {G846}, seeking {G2212} to turn away {G1294} the deputy {G446} from {G575} the faith {G4102}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but the sorcerer Elymas (for that is how his name is translated) opposed them, doing his best to turn the governor away from the faith.

Berean Standard Bible

But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.

American Standard Version

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:8 records a significant moment during Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey on Cyprus, where they encountered fierce spiritual opposition. As they sought to present the Gospel to Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul, a Jewish sorcerer named Elymas actively resisted their efforts, attempting to divert the deputy from embracing the Christian faith. This verse vividly portrays the immediate spiritual warfare that often accompanies the proclamation of God's truth, setting the stage for a dramatic divine confrontation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13 initiates Paul's first missionary journey, beginning in Salamis and moving across the island of Cyprus to Paphos. Verses 6-7 introduce Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul, described as an intelligent man eager to hear the word of God. However, also present was Bar-Jesus, a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet, identified as Elymas. Acts 13:8 immediately follows, detailing Elymas's direct and aggressive opposition to Paul and Barnabas's evangelistic efforts. This sets up the dramatic confrontation in Acts 13:9-11, where Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, pronounces judgment on Elymas, leading to Sergius Paulus's conversion in [Acts 13:12](/acts/13-12 "Acts 13:12 - Sergius Paulus Believes"). The narrative thus quickly moves from initial reception to spiritual conflict and divine vindication.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Cyprus was a Roman senatorial province, and Paphos served as its capital, making Sergius Paulus, the proconsul (or "deputy"), a high-ranking Roman official. The Roman world, while diverse in its religious practices, was often susceptible to various forms of magic, divination, and sorcery, which were common among both pagans and, at times, certain Jewish groups. Individuals like Elymas, who claimed supernatural powers or prophetic insight, often held significant influence over local leaders and populations. Their practices typically involved manipulation and deception, often for personal gain or to maintain power. The encounter here reflects the clash between the genuine power of God, manifested through the apostles, and the counterfeit power of the occult, which sought to maintain its hold over society.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several recurring themes in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the reality of **spiritual warfare**, demonstrating that the spread of the Gospel is not merely a human endeavor but a divine mission that encounters direct opposition from spiritual forces of darkness, as articulated in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **opposition to the Gospel**, showing that the message of Christ often provokes hostile reactions from those whose interests or influence are threatened by its truth. This resistance is a consistent feature throughout the book of Acts, from the Sanhedrin's persecution in [Acts 4](/acts/4 "Acts 4 - Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin") to the various forms of antagonism Paul faces on his journeys. Finally, the actions of Elymas exemplify the theme of **deception and false prophecy**, revealing how spiritual blindness and manipulative practices seek to hinder people from embracing genuine faith. This is a stark contrast to the divine truth and transformative power of the Holy Spirit at work through the apostles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sorcerer (Greek, _mágos'_):** This term, from which we get "magician" or "magi," originally referred to a Persian priest or wise man, often associated with astrology and the interpretation of dreams. However, in the Greco-Roman world and in the context of Acts, it frequently carried the negative connotation of one who practiced magic, divination, or occult arts, often with deceptive intent. Luke's parenthetical explanation that Elymas's name means "sorcerer" emphasizes his identity as a practitioner of such arts and the nature of his opposition.
* **withstood (Greek, _anthístēmi'_):** Derived from `anti` (against) and `histēmi` (to stand), this verb literally means "to stand against" or "to set oneself against." It implies active, direct, and determined opposition. Elymas was not merely disagreeing; he was presenting a formidable barrier, standing in the way of the Gospel's progress and the proconsul's spiritual enlightenment.
* **to turn away (Greek, _diastréphō'_):** This word means "to distort," "to pervert," or "to lead astray." Elymas's goal was not just to prevent Sergius Paulus from hearing the message, but to actively corrupt his understanding, misinterpret the truth, and ultimately divert him from the path of faith. It suggests a deliberate act of spiritual subversion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation)":** This clause immediately identifies the antagonist and provides a crucial parenthetical explanation. "Elymas" is a Semitic name (likely Arabic or Aramaic) meaning "wise man" or "sorcerer," directly linking his identity to his profession. The inclusion of this interpretation by Luke underscores the nature of the opposition Paul and Barnabas faced—it was from someone whose very name signified his involvement in the occult and his capacity for spiritual manipulation.
* **"withstood them,":** This phrase describes Elymas's active and direct opposition to Paul and Barnabas. The verb "withstood" (Greek _anthístēmi_) implies a deliberate and forceful resistance, indicating that Elymas was not merely passive but actively placing himself as an obstacle to the apostles' mission. His resistance was aimed at preventing the proconsul from hearing or accepting the Christian message.
* **"seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.":** This final clause reveals Elymas's clear malicious intent. His "seeking" (Greek _zētéō_) denotes a persistent and purposeful effort. The phrase "to turn away" (Greek _diastréphō_) signifies an attempt to pervert, distort, or lead astray. Elymas's ultimate goal was to prevent Sergius Paulus, the "deputy" (proconsul), from embracing "the faith"—the Christian message and the act of believing in Christ. This highlights the spiritual stakes of the encounter: a battle for the soul of a powerful leader.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **Literary Devices** in this verse to heighten its impact. The **Parenthetical Explanation** "(for so is his name by interpretation)" serves to immediately clarify Elymas's identity and profession for the reader, emphasizing his role as a practitioner of magic and setting the stage for the spiritual conflict. This also acts as a form of **Characterization**, defining Elymas not just by his actions but by his very name. The verse also utilizes **Antagonism** by presenting Elymas in direct opposition ("withstood them") to the apostles, creating immediate tension and signifying the spiritual battle at hand. Furthermore, the explicit statement of Elymas's intent ("seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith") functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the dramatic confrontation and divine judgment that will follow in the subsequent verses, where God's power will decisively overcome this spiritual resistance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:8 serves as a vivid illustration of the spiritual conflict inherent in the advancement of God's kingdom. The Gospel, being the truth of God, inevitably confronts the forces of darkness and deception that seek to blind people and keep them enslaved. Elymas's opposition is not merely a personal disagreement but a manifestation of spiritual warfare against the light of Christ. This encounter underscores the necessity of divine power for the Gospel to prevail, as human efforts alone cannot overcome such entrenched spiritual resistance. It also highlights the importance of discernment for believers, recognizing that not all opposition is merely human; some emanates from spiritual forces intent on diverting people from saving faith.

* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces") - "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
* [2 Timothy 3:8](/2_timothy/3-8 "2 Timothy 3:8 - Jannes and Jambres Resisted Moses") - "Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith."
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits") - "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:8 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that the spread of the Gospel is never without challenge; indeed, direct spiritual opposition is often a clear indicator that God is at work. Just as Elymas sought to turn Sergius Paulus away from the faith, forces of deception and spiritual blindness continue to operate in our world, attempting to distract, confuse, or outright oppose those who are open to the truth of Christ. This calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that not every obstacle is merely circumstantial; some are strategically placed by spiritual adversaries. We must also be prepared for resistance when we share our faith or seek to live out God's will, understanding that our struggle is ultimately against spiritual forces, not just people. Yet, this verse also implicitly points to the triumph of God's power over all forms of darkness, encouraging us to persevere in faith, knowing that the Lord who is with us is greater than any opposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry do I sense spiritual opposition, and how might Acts 13:8 help me understand its nature?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize attempts by "sorcerers" (i.e., deceptive influences) to turn people away from the faith?**
* **What does Elymas's active resistance teach me about the importance of boldness and reliance on the Holy Spirit when sharing the Gospel?**

### FAQ

**Who was Elymas, and what was his significance in this account?**
Answer: Elymas, also known as Bar-Jesus (son of Jesus), was a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet who served as an advisor to the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus on the island of Cyprus. His significance lies in his direct and active opposition to Paul and Barnabas's evangelistic efforts. He represents the forces of spiritual darkness and deception that actively resist the truth of the Gospel, attempting to prevent people from coming to faith. His confrontation with Paul highlights the spiritual battle that accompanies the spread of Christianity, culminating in a dramatic display of God's power over occult practices.

**Why did Elymas "withstand" Paul and Barnabas?**
Answer: Elymas "withstood" Paul and Barnabas because his influence and position were threatened by the truth of the Gospel. As a sorcerer and false prophet, his power derived from deception and manipulation. The genuine power of God demonstrated through Paul and Barnabas, and the clear message of salvation, directly challenged his authority and the spiritual blindness he perpetuated. He sought to maintain his sway over Sergius Paulus and prevent him from embracing a faith that would expose Elymas's fraudulent practices and diminish his standing. His resistance was an act of self-preservation and an attempt to keep the proconsul enslaved to spiritual darkness.

**What does "the deputy" refer to in this verse?**
Answer: "The deputy" refers to Sergius Paulus, who was the Roman proconsul (Greek: _anthýpatos_) of Cyprus. A proconsul was a high-ranking Roman official, typically a former consul, appointed to govern a senatorial province on behalf of the Roman Senate. This position carried significant political and judicial authority. Luke's use of the precise term "deputy" (proconsul) is historically accurate for Cyprus at this time, affirming the reliability of his account. Elymas's attempt to turn such an influential figure away from the faith underscores the high stakes of this spiritual confrontation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:8, with Elymas's active opposition to the Gospel, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate spiritual conflict that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would face and ultimately conquer. Elymas, as a false prophet and sorcerer, embodies the forces of deception and spiritual darkness that have always sought to blind humanity to God's truth. Just as Elymas tried to "turn away the deputy from the faith," so too does the "prince of this world" ([John 14:30](/john/14-30 "John 14:30 - The Prince of This World")) seek to keep humanity in bondage to sin and unbelief. However, the true fulfillment of this struggle is found in Christ. He is the light who came into the world, and the darkness "comprehended it not" ([John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - The Light Shines in the Darkness")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus decisively triumphed over all the powers of darkness, "having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The power displayed by Paul in blinding Elymas in the subsequent verses is a mere echo of Christ's ultimate victory over spiritual blindness and the dominion of Satan. Every time the Gospel is proclaimed and people are turned from darkness to light, it is a manifestation of Christ's ongoing reign and His triumph over the very forces Elymas represented, drawing all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")).

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

2 Timothy 3:8

Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

2 Timothy 4:14

Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

2 Timothy 4:15

Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

Acts 13:6

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

Acts 13:7

Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

Acts 13:12

Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

Acts 9:36

¶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.