Acts 13:6-12
6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus,
7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.
8 But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
9 But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, stared at him,
10 and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not stop making crooked the straight ways of the Lord?
11 Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.” And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand.
12 Then the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord.
Paphos (1)
Paphos of Cyprus
“When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos.” Paphos is the capital of the island, located about 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Salamis. While there is little record of the ministry in Salamis, there is a detailed account of the ministry in Paphos. Something significant for Gentile evangelism had occurred, which is why Luke recorded it in detail. “They found a magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus.” (1) Bar-Jesus (Son of Jesus, Son of Salvation) was a false prophet and also a Jewish magician. He was called the magician Elymas. (2) In the Roman world, it was common for governors to keep advisors close by. Sergius Paulus likely kept Bar-Jesus nearby to seek advice on matters concerning the Jews. “Who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.” (1) The Jewish governor (“hegemon” in Greek), or procurator, was an office appointed by the emperor. Governors like Pontius Pilate, Felix (Acts 23:24), and Festus (Acts 26:30) held this title. (2) The title of Sergius Paulus was “proconsul” (in Greek, “anthupatos”), which was a position appointed by the Senate. An inscription dated around AD 52-58 mentioning Sergius Paulus has been excavated on the island of Cyprus. According to this inscription, he held the position of “anthupatos” (proconsul). Luke uses these titles accurately as a historian. (3) Sergius Paulus was a “man of intelligence.” He desired to hear the word of God personally from Barnabas and Saul. “But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.” (1) Elymas the magician felt threatened by the proconsul’s intention of becoming a serious seeker. He feared losing his vested interests. (2) Therefore, he opposed the ministry. Although the specific actions he took are not recorded, he attempted in some way to turn the proconsul away from the path of faith. Let us learn a lesson from this passage. As the work of evangelism expands, the opposition of the forces of evil will rise. We do not need to go out hunting for evil spirits, but we must be prepared for the inevitable confrontation between light and darkness. Opposition from the powers of darkness will be a wonderful opportunity to experience the power of the living Christ.
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, the forces of evil are still at work today. When faced with opposition, please let me experience the power of the living Christ. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.