How should Christians today respond to deceitful influences, as seen in Acts 13:6? Setting the Scene in Acts 13:6 “ ‘They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus,’ ” (Acts 13:6). Paul and Barnabas run into a man who mixes sorcery with religion, claiming spiritual authority while actually opposing the gospel. The encounter shows that deceitful influences often wear religious clothing, aiming to divert people from the truth. Recognizing Deceitful Influences Today • They may quote Scripture but distort its meaning (2 Peter 3:16). • They promise spiritual power or special knowledge apart from Christ (Colossians 2:8). • They blend Christian language with unbiblical practices—“a form of godliness, but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:5). • They resist clear gospel proclamation, as Elymas did when he tried to turn the proconsul from the faith (Acts 13:8). Biblical Responses to Deceit • Test every teaching. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). • Expose darkness with light. “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). • Stand firm on the finished work of Christ. “I decided to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). • Rely on the Spirit’s discernment. “The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10). Practical Steps for Daily Life 1. Stay rooted in Scripture. Regular, systematic Bible reading equips the mind to spot counterfeit ideas. 2. Guard the heart. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). 3. Submit to godly authority. Healthy local churches and biblically qualified elders provide protection (Hebrews 13:17). 4. Speak truth graciously. Paul confronted Elymas directly (Acts 13:9–11); believers today can correct error with patience and gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24–25). 5. Pray for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5). 6. Keep focus on mission. Deceit aims to derail evangelism; staying gospel-centered deprives falsehood of oxygen. Encouragement from Scripture • “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). • “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20). • “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Faithful discernment, courageous exposure of lies, and unwavering focus on Christ ensure that deceitful influences, ancient or modern, find no foothold among God’s people. |
    |