Acts 13:9

Then Saul, (who also [is called] Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

Then {G1161} Saul {G4569},(who {G3588} also {G2532} is called Paul {G3972},) filled with {G4130} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151},{G2532} set his eyes {G816} on {G1519} him {G846},

Then Sha’ul, also known as Paul, filled with the Ruach HaKodesh, stared straight at him and said,

Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas

But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him,

Commentary on Acts 13:9

Acts 13:9 marks a significant turning point in the narrative of the early church and the ministry of the Apostle Paul. It describes a pivotal moment where Saul, soon to be known primarily as Paul, is divinely empowered to confront spiritual opposition.

Context

This verse occurs during the first missionary journey of Barnabas and Saul (Paul), as they are in Paphos, Cyprus. They have been invited by the Roman proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding, who desires to hear the word of God. However, they are opposed by a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas, who seeks to turn the proconsul away from the faith. The immediate preceding verse details Elymas's direct opposition to the apostles. This confrontation highlights the spiritual battle inherent in spreading the Gospel.

Key Themes

  • Transformation and Identity: Saul to Paul: The parenthetical remark, "who also [is called] Paul," is crucial. Prior to this, Luke consistently refers to him as "Saul," his Hebrew name. From this point forward, he is almost exclusively called "Paul," his Roman name. This transition often symbolizes his shift from being a persecutor of Christians (as Saul of Tarsus, detailed in Acts 9:1-9) to becoming the preeminent apostle to the Gentiles, for whom a Roman name would be more familiar and acceptable. It signifies a new phase of ministry and identity in Christ.
  • Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The phrase "filled with the Holy Ghost" is a recurring motif in the Book of Acts, signifying divine enablement for specific tasks and challenges. Here, it indicates that Paul's subsequent actions and words are not merely his own, but are inspired and empowered by God. This filling grants him spiritual insight and authority to discern and confront the spiritual darkness embodied by Elymas. This divine filling is a direct manifestation of God's presence and power, enabling believers to carry out His will, much like the disciples were filled on Pentecost (Acts 2:4) or Peter in a moment of boldness (Acts 4:8).
  • Spiritual Confrontation and Authority: Paul's act of "setting his eyes on him" signifies intense focus, discernment, and readiness for a direct spiritual confrontation. Empowered by the Spirit, Paul is about to expose and rebuke Elymas, demonstrating the superior power of God over sorcery and deception, as seen in the subsequent verse (Acts 13:10).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "filled with the Holy Ghost" is plēsthēis pneumatos hagiou. This is a passive participle, suggesting that Paul was "filled" by an outside agent – the Holy Spirit. It's not a self-generated state but a divine impartation for a specific purpose, highlighting God's active involvement in His servants' ministry.

Practical Application

This verse offers several practical lessons for believers today:

  • Embracing New Identity in Christ: Like Saul becoming Paul, believers are called to embrace their new identity in Christ, letting go of past failures or self-perceptions that hinder God's purposes.
  • Reliance on the Holy Spirit: Effective ministry and spiritual discernment require being "filled with the Holy Ghost." Believers should seek to be continually empowered by the Spirit for wisdom, boldness, and discernment in a world often filled with deception.
  • Courage in Spiritual Warfare: The account reminds us that spreading the Gospel often involves spiritual confrontation. Believers are called to stand firm, discerning spiritual opposition and confronting it with divine authority, not in their own strength, but through the power of the Spirit.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Micah 3:8

    ¶ But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.

  • Acts 4:8

    Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

  • Acts 2:4

    And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

  • Mark 3:5

    And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched [it] out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

  • Acts 7:55

    But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

  • Acts 4:31

    And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

  • Luke 20:17

    And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?
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