Acts 13:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:9 marks a pivotal moment in the ministry of Saul, who is here first identified as Paul, as he is supernaturally empowered by the Holy Spirit to confront a spiritual adversary. This verse encapsulates a significant transition in his identity and mission, demonstrating the divine authority bestowed upon him for the advancement of the Gospel against forces of deception and darkness. It sets the stage for a dramatic display of God's power through His chosen apostle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13 begins the account of Paul's (then Saul's) first missionary journey, accompanied by Barnabas and John Mark. After ministering in Salamis, they arrive in Paphos, Cyprus. The narrative immediately preceding Acts 13:9 describes their encounter with the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus, who, being a man of intelligence, seeks to hear the word of God. However, a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas, actively opposes them, attempting to turn the proconsul away from the faith. This verse, therefore, serves as the spiritual climax of this confrontation, where Paul, filled with divine power, directly addresses and rebukes the sorcerer, setting the stage for Elymas's temporary blindness in the verses that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Paphos, a significant Roman administrative center on the island of Cyprus. Roman proconsuls like Sergius Paulus held considerable authority, and their conversion would have immense implications for the spread of Christianity. The presence of sorcerers like Bar-Jesus (Elymas) was common in the Greco-Roman world, where various forms of magic, divination, and philosophical schools vied for influence. Such individuals often served as advisors or spiritual guides to prominent figures, making their opposition a direct challenge to the apostles' message and authority. The confrontation highlights the clash between the emerging Christian faith and the prevalent pagan and occult practices of the era, emphasizing the unique power of the Holy Spirit over rival spiritual forces.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is rich with themes central to the Book of Acts. The most prominent is the **transformation and new identity** of Saul, who is explicitly named Paul for the first time in Luke's narrative. This parenthetical naming signals a shift in his primary identity and ministry focus, particularly to the Gentiles, for whom the Roman name "Paul" would be more accessible. This transformation echoes the profound change initiated by his conversion experience on the road to Damascus, as detailed in [Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "Acts 9:1-19 - Saul's Conversion"). Another crucial theme is the **empowerment by the Holy Spirit**. Like the disciples at Pentecost in [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost"), Paul's being "filled with the Holy Ghost" signifies divine enablement for a specific task, granting him spiritual insight, authority, and boldness to confront evil. This divine filling is a hallmark of effective ministry throughout [the Book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles"). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **spiritual confrontation and divine authority**. Paul's intense gaze and subsequent actions demonstrate the power of God's Spirit to expose and overcome spiritual darkness and deception, asserting the supremacy of Christ's kingdom over all other powers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **filled with (Greek, _plḗthō'_):** This verb, G4130, means "to fill" literally or figuratively, often implying an imbueing, influencing, or supplying. In this context, it is a passive participle, indicating that Paul was *acted upon* by an external agent – the Holy Spirit. It signifies a divine impartation of power and authority, not a self-generated state, enabling him for a specific purpose.
* **Holy (Greek, _hágios'_):** G40, meaning "sacred," "pure," "blameless," or "consecrated." When applied to the Spirit (G4151, _pneûma_), it emphasizes the Spirit's divine nature, His moral purity, and His consecrating power. This filling is not merely an emotional experience but an infusion of divine holiness and power for God's purposes.
* **set his eyes (Greek, _atenízō'_):** G816, meaning "to gaze intently," "to behold earnestly," or "to fasten eyes upon." This word conveys a focused, unwavering stare. In this context, it suggests Paul's spiritual discernment, his readiness for direct confrontation, and the intense, Spirit-empowered focus he brought to bear upon Elymas. It is an action of spiritual authority and resolute determination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Saul, (who also [is called] Paul,)"**: This opening clause marks a significant narrative transition. "Then" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a progression in the story. The parenthetical remark is crucial: it formally introduces Paul's Roman name, which Luke will use almost exclusively from this point forward. This naming convention subtly underscores his burgeoning ministry to the Gentile world, where a Roman name would be more familiar and acceptable than his Hebrew name, Saul. It signifies a new phase of his identity and mission, moving from being a persecutor of the church to its foremost apostle to the Gentiles.
* **"filled with the Holy Ghost,"**: This phrase describes the divine empowerment that immediately precedes Paul's decisive action. The Greek verb for "filled" (G4130, _plḗthō_) is in the passive voice, emphasizing that this state is a divine impartation, not a human achievement. The "Holy Ghost" (G40 _hágios_ G4151 _pneûma_) refers to the Third Person of the Trinity, the Spirit of God. This filling signifies a fresh anointing of power, spiritual insight, and authority, enabling Paul to discern the spiritual darkness embodied by Elymas and to act with divine backing. It is a recurring motif in Acts, indicating God's active involvement in His servants' ministry.
* **"set his eyes on him,"**: This final clause describes Paul's intense, focused gaze upon Elymas. The verb "set his eyes" (G816, _atenízō_) conveys a piercing, unwavering stare, indicative of spiritual discernment and resolute confrontation. It is not merely a physical act but a spiritual one, demonstrating Paul's readiness to engage in direct spiritual warfare. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Paul is prepared to expose and rebuke the sorcerer, asserting the superior power of God over the forces of deception.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **Literary Devices** in Acts 13:9 to convey its profound significance. The most prominent is **Parenthesis**, used in "(who also [is called] Paul)." This seemingly simple insertion is highly significant, acting as a narrative marker for Saul's transformation and the shift in his public identity. It signals the beginning of his primary role as the apostle to the Gentiles, for whom the Roman name "Paul" would be more appropriate. This transition is not merely nominal but symbolic of his new mission and the broader scope of the Gospel's reach. Additionally, the phrase "filled with the Holy Ghost" functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the powerful spiritual confrontation that is about to unfold. It immediately alerts the reader that Paul's subsequent actions will be divinely inspired and empowered, elevating the encounter beyond a mere human dispute to a clash of spiritual realms. Finally, Paul's action of "set his eyes on him" serves as a powerful **Visual Metaphor** for spiritual discernment and direct confrontation. It vividly portrays Paul's intense focus and readiness to engage the spiritual opposition head-on, embodying the authority given to him by the Spirit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:9 is a powerful theological statement about divine empowerment, the nature of spiritual authority, and the ongoing spiritual battle inherent in the advancement of God's kingdom. The Holy Spirit's filling is not merely for personal piety but for missional effectiveness, equipping believers with discernment and power to confront spiritual opposition. This moment highlights that true authority in ministry comes not from human charisma or intellect, but from the indwelling and overflow of the Holy Spirit, enabling God's servants to speak and act with divine backing against the forces of darkness. It underscores the reality that the Gospel's progress often involves direct confrontation with spiritual deception, and that God provides the necessary power for His people to prevail.

* [Luke 4:14](/luke/4-14 "Luke 4:14 - Jesus, full of the Spirit, returns to Galilee")
* [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be filled with the Spirit")
* [2 Timothy 3:8](/2_timothy/3-8 "2 Timothy 3:8 - Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:9 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, calling us to a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit and a courageous engagement with spiritual realities. Just as Saul embraced his new identity as Paul for the sake of the Gospel, we are called to live out our new identity in Christ, shedding old patterns and embracing God's unique purpose for our lives. This verse reminds us that effective ministry and spiritual discernment are not born of human effort or cleverness, but from being continually "filled with the Holy Ghost." In a world increasingly marked by deception and spiritual confusion, believers are challenged to cultivate a deep intimacy with the Spirit, allowing Him to grant us wisdom, boldness, and the ability to discern truth from falsehood. Furthermore, Paul's direct confrontation with Elymas serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual warfare is a real and present dimension of Christian life and mission. We are called not to shrink from spiritual opposition but to stand firm, discerning the schemes of the enemy and confronting them with the authority and power that only the Holy Spirit can provide, always remembering that the battle is the Lord's, and He equips us for victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you sense a need to be more "filled with the Holy Ghost" for spiritual discernment and power?**
* **How does the transformation of Saul to Paul encourage you to embrace your own new identity in Christ and step into new areas of service or calling?**
* **What spiritual opposition or deception might you be facing, and how can you, like Paul, "set your eyes" on it with Spirit-empowered authority?**

### FAQ

**Why is Saul suddenly called Paul in this verse?**

Answer: Acts 13:9 marks the first time Luke explicitly refers to Saul as Paul. While the verse states "who also [is called] Paul," suggesting he already had this name, its introduction here is highly significant. Saul was his Hebrew name, reflecting his Jewish heritage, while Paul was his Roman (Latin) name. From this point forward, as his ministry increasingly shifts towards the Gentile world, Luke consistently uses "Paul." This transition symbolizes his new primary identity and mission as the apostle to the Gentiles, making him more relatable and accessible to the Roman and Greek audiences he would encounter. It's not a change of person, but a change in the prominent name used to reflect his evolving ministry focus, as seen in his later letters where he identifies himself as [Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:9, though focusing on Paul's empowerment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Paul's being "filled with the Holy Ghost" and confronting spiritual darkness directly mirrors Christ's own ministry, which was characterized by the boundless anointing of the Spirit and direct confrontation with demonic forces. Jesus, the [Son of God](/john/1-34 "John 1:34 - Jesus, the Son of God"), was Himself "full of the Holy Spirit" (as described in [Luke 4:1](/luke/4-1 "Luke 4:1 - Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit")), leading Him into the wilderness to overcome temptation by Satan. His entire public ministry was a demonstration of the Spirit's power over sickness, sin, and spiritual oppression, culminating in His ultimate victory over sin and death on the cross and His resurrection. Paul's authority to blind Elymas, though temporary, powerfully foreshadows Christ's sovereign authority over all spiritual powers and principalities, an authority He now shares with His church (as promised in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, Paul's Spirit-empowered confrontation is a tangible manifestation of the ongoing work of the resurrected Christ through His body, the church, demonstrating that the power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in believers to advance His kingdom against all opposition, as promised in [Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - The Power of God for Believers").

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

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?