El'ymas, also known as Bar-Jesus, is a figure mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Acts. He is described as a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet who resided in Paphos, on the island of Cyprus. His encounter with the Apostle Paul and Barnabas is recorded in Acts 13:6-12.

Biblical Account:

The narrative of El'ymas unfolds during Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. As they traveled through the island of Cyprus, they arrived in Paphos, where they encountered El'ymas. Acts 13:6-7 states, "They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God."

El'ymas, whose name means "sorcerer" in Aramaic, opposed Paul and Barnabas, attempting to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Acts 13:8 records, "But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith."

Confrontation with Paul:

The confrontation between Paul and El'ymas is a significant moment in the narrative. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, directly addresses El'ymas, rebuking him for his deceit and opposition to the Gospel. Acts 13:9-11 describes this encounter: "Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas and said, 'You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right. You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun.' Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand."

Impact on Sergius Paulus:

The miraculous blinding of El'ymas had a profound impact on Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul. Witnessing the power of God, he believed in the teachings of Paul and Barnabas. Acts 13:12 notes, "When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord."

Theological Significance:

El'ymas serves as a cautionary figure, representing the opposition that the early Christian missionaries faced from those who sought to undermine the spread of the Gospel. His encounter with Paul highlights the authority and power of the Holy Spirit working through the apostles, as well as the triumph of truth over deceit. The incident underscores the theme of spiritual blindness and the transformative power of faith, as seen in the conversion of Sergius Paulus.

Historical Context:

In the first-century Mediterranean world, sorcery and magic were not uncommon, and individuals like El'ymas often held positions of influence, particularly in political circles. The account of El'ymas reflects the broader cultural and religious tensions of the time, as the message of Christianity began to challenge existing beliefs and practices.

El'ymas's account is a reminder of the spiritual battles faced by the early Church and the enduring power of the Gospel to overcome opposition and bring about belief in the hearts of those who witness its truth.El'ymas (1 Occurrence)

Acts 13:8
But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith.
(See RSV)

El'ymas (1 Occurrence)
El'ymas. Elymas, El'ymas. Elyon . Multi-Version Concordance El'ymas
(1 Occurrence). Acts 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is ...
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Elyon

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Elymas (2 Occurrences)

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