What is the meaning of Acts 13:8? But • The word “But” signals a contrast in the narrative. Up to verse 7, Paul and Barnabas had an open door to share the gospel with Sergius Paulus, “a man of intelligence” who “summoned Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God” (Acts 13:7). • Scripture frequently notes this pattern: when God opens a door, opposition quickly follows (1 Corinthians 16:9; Nehemiah 4:1–3). • The conjunction prepares us to meet that opposition, reminding us that spiritual conflict is normal whenever the gospel advances (Ephesians 6:12). Elymas the sorcerer • Luke identifies the antagonist: “Elymas,” known also as Bar-Jesus (Acts 13:6). “Sorcerer” marks him as a practitioner of occult arts—something God’s Word consistently condemns (Deuteronomy 18:10–12; Isaiah 8:19). • Like Pharaoh’s magicians who tried to counter Moses (Exodus 7:11) and Simon the sorcerer who astonished Samaria (Acts 8:9–11), Elymas relies on counterfeit spiritual power. • His presence highlights the clash between light and darkness whenever the true gospel confronts deceptive spirituality (2 Corinthians 11:13–15). (for that is what his name means) • Luke pauses to explain that “Elymas” carries connotations of “sorcerer” or “magus,” underscoring the man’s identity. • Throughout Acts, Luke often clarifies local terms for his readers (Acts 1:19; 4:36), showing his care for accuracy and reinforcing trust in the historical record. • By spotlighting the meaning of the name, Scripture underlines the danger: Sergius Paulus is receiving counsel from someone whose very title proclaims spiritual deception (Proverbs 13:20). opposed them • Opposition here is active resistance—Elymas “stood against” Paul and Barnabas. • This hostility fulfills Jesus’ warning that His messengers will face opposition (John 15:18–20) and mirrors the early pushback against the apostles (Acts 4:1–3; 5:17–18). • The verb indicates deliberate obstruction, not mere skepticism. Spiritual warfare is personal and intentional (1 Peter 5:8–9). and tried to turn the proconsul • Elymas targets Sergius Paulus, the Roman governor, because winning—or losing—this leader affects many others under his influence (1 Timothy 2:1–2). • “Tried to turn” shows the sorcerer’s strategic attempt to divert the proconsul’s attention, similar to Satan’s tactic of snatching the seed from a hearer’s heart (Matthew 13:19). • The gospel often meets resistance aimed at influential figures: Jewish leaders opposed Jesus before the crowds (Luke 19:47–48), and religious authorities pressured rulers like Pilate (John 19:12). from the faith • The objective of Elymas’s interference is clear: prevent saving faith in Christ. Satan’s schemes always aim to keep people “from the faith” (2 Corinthians 4:4). • Luke uses “the faith” to denote the body of gospel truth that leads to salvation (Acts 6:7; Jude 3). • The verse exposes the supernatural stakes: eternal souls hang in the balance, and opposing the gospel is opposing God Himself (Acts 5:39). summary Acts 13:8 portrays a real spiritual confrontation: as Paul and Barnabas proclaim Christ to Sergius Paulus, Elymas the sorcerer steps in to block the governor’s path to faith. Luke spotlights the sorcerer’s character, his deliberate resistance, and his goal of turning a leader away from the gospel. The verse reminds us that whenever God’s Word advances, spiritual opposition arises, yet the sovereignty of God assures ultimate victory for the truth (Romans 8:31). |
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