Topical Encyclopedia Elymas, also known as Bar-Jesus, is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles. He is described as a Jewish false prophet and sorcerer who opposed the early Christian missionaries Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey. The account of Elymas is found in Acts 13:6-12.Biblical Account The narrative begins with Paul and Barnabas traveling to the island of Cyprus, where they proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. As they journey through the island, they arrive at Paphos, where they encounter Elymas. 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, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God." Elymas, whose name means "sorcerer" or "wise man," attempts 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 and Punishment The confrontation between Paul and Elymas is a pivotal moment in the narrative. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, directly addresses Elymas, condemning his actions and pronouncing divine judgment upon him. 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 straight 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." This miraculous punishment serves as a divine rebuke of Elymas's opposition to the Gospel and a demonstration of the power of God working through His apostles. Impact on Sergius Paulus The proconsul, Sergius Paulus, witnesses the power of God through the blinding of Elymas and is deeply affected by the event. Acts 13:12 notes, "When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord." This conversion highlights the triumph of the Gospel over opposition and the transformative power of faith. Theological Significance Elymas's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of opposing God's work and the inevitable consequences of deceit and falsehood. It underscores the authority of the apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to confront and overcome spiritual adversaries. The account also illustrates the theme of spiritual blindness, both literal and metaphorical, as a judgment for those who resist the truth of the Gospel. Elymas's encounter with Paul and Barnabas is a testament to the early Church's mission to spread the Gospel despite opposition and the divine authority granted to the apostles to affirm the truth of their message. Nave's Topical Index Acts 13:8,10But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Nave's Topical Index Library Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ; The Pilgrim's Progress Resources Should Christians celebrate Halloween? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the occult? | GotQuestions.org How many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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