Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Elymas, also known as Bar-Jesus, is a figure mentioned in the New Testament 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 his companion Barnabas is recorded in Acts 13:6-12.Biblical Account: The narrative of Elymas unfolds during Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey. As they traveled through the island of Cyprus, they arrived in Paphos, where they encountered Elymas. The account in Acts 13:6-8 states: "When they had traveled the whole island as far as Paphos, they came across a sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith." Elymas's opposition to the apostles was significant because he attempted to prevent Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul, from embracing the Christian faith. His actions were motivated by a desire to maintain influence over the proconsul and to resist the spread of the Gospel. Confrontation with Paul: The confrontation between Paul and Elymas is a pivotal moment in the narrative. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, directly addresses Elymas, as recorded in Acts 13:9-11 : "Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas and said, 'O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord? Now look, the hand of the Lord is against you, and for a time you will be blind and unable to see the light of the sun.' Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he groped around, seeking someone to lead him by the hand." Paul's rebuke of Elymas is severe, highlighting the sorcerer's spiritual blindness and opposition to God's truth. The divine judgment of temporary physical blindness serves as a powerful sign of God's authority and the truth of the Gospel message. Impact on Sergius Paulus: The miraculous blinding of Elymas had a profound impact on Sergius Paulus. Acts 13:12 notes the proconsul's response: "When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord." The conversion of Sergius Paulus is significant as it demonstrates the power of the Gospel to overcome opposition and transform lives. The event underscores the authority of the apostolic message and the work of the Holy Spirit in advancing the early Christian mission. Theological Significance: Elymas's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of opposing God's work and the futility of resisting the truth of the Gospel. His encounter with Paul illustrates the spiritual battle between light and darkness, truth and deception. Elymas's blindness symbolizes the spiritual blindness that afflicts those who reject God's revelation. The account also highlights the role of the apostles as bearers of divine authority, empowered by the Holy Spirit to confront falsehood and proclaim the truth. The conversion of Sergius Paulus, a Roman official, marks a significant step in the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities, emphasizing the universal scope of the Gospel message. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary ElymasSmith's Bible Dictionary Elymas(a wise man), the Arabic name of the Jewish magus or sorcerer Bar-jesus. (Acts 13:6) ff. (A.D. 44.) ATS Bible Dictionary ElymasA Jewish sorcerer in the retinue of Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul at Paphos in Cyprus. He was sharply reproved by Paul, and struck with instant blindness for opposing the religious inquiries of the proconsul, who was abandoning idolatry and superstition, and embracing the gospel, Acts 13:6-12. His blindness was to continue "for a season," and may have led to his spiritual illumination. Easton's Bible Dictionary Magician or sorcerer, the Arabic name of the Jew Bar-jesus, who withstood Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus. He was miraculously struck with blindness (Acts 13:11). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELYMASel'-i-mas (Elumas, "wise"; Acts 13:8). Greek 1681. Elumas -- Elymas, a magician ... Elymas, a magician. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Elumas Phonetic Spelling: (el-oo'-mas) Short Definition: Elymas Definition: Elymas, the ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1681.htm - 6k 919. Bariesous -- "son of Joshua," Bar-Jesus, a false prophet Library Heralds of the Gospel Acts xiii. 4, 5 To the Regions Beyond Of the Difference Between Discipline and Power, and of the Power ... Preface to the "Divine Names. " Concerning "Power," "Righteousness," "Salvation," "Redemption" ... His Missionary Travels The Extension of the Church Throughout the World How Does it Come? Index to Text Thesaurus Elymas (2 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ELYMAS. el'-i-mas (Elumas, "wise"; Acts 13:8). See BAR-JESUS. Multi-Version Concordance Elymas (2 Occurrences). ... /e/elymas.htm - 7k Bar-jesus (1 Occurrence) Barjesus (1 Occurrence) Magus El'ymas (1 Occurrence) Magician (5 Occurrences) Magic (12 Occurrences) Opposed (23 Occurrences) Opposing (13 Occurrences) Withstood (7 Occurrences) Resources Who was Bar-Jesus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Cyprus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Elymas (2 Occurrences)Acts 13:8 Acts 13:9 Subtopics Elymas: A False Prophet, Punished With Blindness Related Terms |
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