Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. New Living Translation But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his name means in Greek), interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Barnabas and Saul said. He was trying to keep the governor from believing. English Standard Version But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Berean Standard Bible But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. Berean Literal Bible But Elymas the magician (for his name is translated thus) was opposing them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith. King James Bible But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. New King James Version But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. New American Standard Bible But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. NASB 1995 But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. NASB 1977 But Elymas the magician (for thus his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Legacy Standard Bible But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Amplified Bible But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is how his name is translated) opposed them, trying to turn the proconsul away from accepting the faith. Berean Annotated Bible But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. Christian Standard Bible But Elymas the sorcerer (that is the meaning of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Holman Christian Standard Bible But Elymas the sorcerer (this is the meaning of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith. American Standard Version But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith. Contemporary English Version But Bar-Jesus, whose other name was Elymas, was against them. He even tried to keep the governor from having faith in the Lord. English Revised Version But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith. GOD'S WORD® Translation Elymas, whose name means [astrologer], opposed them and tried to distort the meaning of the faith so that the governor wouldn't believe. Good News Translation But they were opposed by the magician Elymas (that is his name in Greek), who tried to turn the governor away from the faith. International Standard Version But Elymas the occult practitioner (that is the meaning of his name) continued to oppose them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith. NET Bible But the magician Elymas (for that is the way his name is translated) opposed them, trying to turn the proconsul away from the faith. New Heart English Bible But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith. Webster's Bible Translation But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Weymouth New Testament But Elymas (or 'the Magician,' for such is the meaning of the name) Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. World English Bible But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand there withstood them Elymas the magus—for so is his name interpreted—seeking to pervert the proconsul from the faith. Berean Literal Bible But Elymas the magician (for his name is translated thus) was opposing them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith. Young's Literal Translation and there withstood them Elymas the magian -- for so is his name interpreted -- seeking to pervert the proconsul from the faith. Smith's Literal Translation And Elymas the magician withstood them, (for so was his name interpreted,) seeking to turn the proconsul from the faith. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut Elymas the magician (for so his name is interpreted) withstood them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith. Catholic Public Domain Version But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) stood against them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the Faith. New American Bible But Elymas the magician (for that is what his name means) opposed them in an attempt to turn the proconsul away from the faith. New Revised Standard Version But the magician Elymas (for that is the translation of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Bar-Shu’ma the sorcerer (whose name is interpreted Elymas) withstood them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But the Sorcerer Bar Shuma, whose name is translated Alumas, withstood them because he wanted to turn aside the Proconsul from the faith. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut the magician Elymas (for this is his name, when translated) withstood them, desiring to turn away the proconsul from the faith. Godbey New Testament but Elymas the magician (for thus his name is interpreted) opposed them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith. Haweis New Testament But Elymas the magician (for such is his name when interpreted) opposed them, seeking to pervert the proconsul from the faith. Mace New Testament but Elymas (a name which signifies Magus) opposed them, endeavouring to seduce the proconsul from the faith. Weymouth New Testament But Elymas (or 'the Magician,' for such is the meaning of the name) Worrell New Testament but Elymas, the sorcerer (for so his name is interpreted) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith. Worsley New Testament But Elymas the magician (for so his name signifies) withstood them endeavouring to turn away the proconsul from the faith. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context On Cyprus…7an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas… Cross References But Elymas the sorcerer Acts 8:9-11 Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, / and all the people, from the least to the greatest, heeded his words and said, “This man is the divine power called the Great Power.” / They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with his sorcery. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, / casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. / For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD. And because of these detestable things, the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you. Exodus 7:11 But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. (for that is what his name means) Mark 3:17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (whom He named Boanerges, meaning “Sons of Thunder”), John 1:42 Andrew brought him to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter). Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”). opposed them 2 Timothy 3:8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith. 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men, / hindering us from telling the Gentiles how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them. and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. Luke 8:12 The seeds along the path are those who hear, but the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Galatians 5:7 You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth? 2 Corinthians 11:3 I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. 1 Kings 22:22 And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, / and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. Treasury of Scripture But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. for. Acts 13:6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. John 1:41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. withstood. Exodus 7:11-13 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments… 1 Kings 22:24 But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee? Jeremiah 28:1,10,11 And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, and in the fifth month, that Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, which was of Gibeon, spake unto me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying, … Jump to Previous Deputy Elymas Faith Interpretation Interpreted Magian Magician Meaning Means Opposed Opposing Pervert Proconsul Purpose Ruler Seeking Sense Sorcerer Translated Tried Turn Turning Withstood Wonder-WorkerJump to Next Deputy Elymas Faith Interpretation Interpreted Magian Magician Meaning Means Opposed Opposing Pervert Proconsul Purpose Ruler Seeking Sense Sorcerer Translated Tried Turn Turning Withstood Wonder-WorkerActs 13 1. Paul and Barnabas are chosen to go to the Gentiles.6. Of Sergius Paulus, and Elymas the sorcerer. 13. Paul preaches at Antioch that Jesus is Christ. 42. The Gentiles believe; 44. but the Jews talked abusively against Paul, 46. whereupon they turn to the Gentiles, of whom many believe. 50. The Jews raise a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, who go to Iconium. But Elymas the sorcerer Elymas is identified as a sorcerer, indicating his involvement in magical practices, which were common in the Greco-Roman world. Sorcery was often associated with deception and manipulation, contrasting with the truth of the Gospel. The name "Elymas" is likely derived from an Arabic or Aramaic word meaning "wise," suggesting he was considered a wise man or magician. This reflects the cultural context where such figures held influence and were often consulted by leaders. (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. Persons / Places / Events 1. Elymas the SorcererAlso known as Bar-Jesus, Elymas is a Jewish false prophet and magician who opposes Paul and Barnabas. His name, Elymas, means "sorcerer" or "wise man," indicating his role in practicing magic and deception. 2. Paul and Barnabas Early Christian missionaries sent by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel. They encounter Elymas during their mission in Cyprus. 3. Proconsul Sergius Paulus A Roman official in Cyprus who is described as an intelligent man. He seeks to hear the word of God from Paul and Barnabas. 4. Cyprus An island in the Mediterranean Sea where Paul and Barnabas begin their missionary journey. It is significant as the first place where they preach the Gospel to Gentiles. 5. The Opposition The event where Elymas actively tries to prevent the proconsul from accepting the Christian faith, highlighting the spiritual battle between truth and deception. Teaching Points Spiritual Opposition is RealJust as Elymas opposed Paul and Barnabas, believers today face spiritual opposition. We must be vigilant and rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment and strength. The Power of the Gospel Despite opposition, the Gospel has the power to transform lives. The proconsul's interest in the message shows that God's word can penetrate even the most resistant hearts. Discernment in Ministry Paul and Barnabas demonstrate discernment in recognizing Elymas' intentions. Christians should seek wisdom and discernment in their ministry efforts to identify and counteract false teachings. The Role of Authority Figures Sergius Paulus' openness to the Gospel highlights the importance of sharing the message with those in positions of influence, as their conversion can have a broader impact. Faithfulness in Witnessing Paul and Barnabas' persistence in the face of opposition encourages believers to remain faithful in witnessing, trusting that God will work through their efforts. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 13:8?2. How does Acts 13:8 illustrate spiritual opposition to spreading the Gospel today? 3. What role does Elymas play in hindering God's work in Acts 13:8? 4. How can we recognize modern-day "Elymas" opposing our faith journey? 5. How does Acts 13:8 connect with Ephesians 6:12 on spiritual warfare? 6. What practical steps can we take to counteract spiritual opposition like Elymas? 7. Why did Elymas oppose Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:8? 8. How does Acts 13:8 illustrate spiritual blindness? 9. What is the significance of Elymas being a sorcerer in Acts 13:8? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 13? 11. Acts 13:8–12: If Elymas was instantly blinded through a supernatural act, how can this miracle be historically verified or scientifically explained? 12. What does the Bible say about magic and illusion? 13. Acts 13:9: Why does Saul suddenly become “Paul” in the narrative with no recorded explanation or formal name change? 14. What miracles are described in the Bible? What Does Acts 13:8 Mean 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). (8) But Elymas the sorcerer.--See Note on Acts 13:6. The charlatan feared the loss of the influence which he had previously exercised over the mind of the proconsul. His victim was emancipating himself from his bondage and was passing from credulity to faith, and that progress Bar-jesus sought to check.Verse 8. - Turn aside for turn away, A.V.; proconsul for deputy, A.V. Elymas, from the Arabic elite, plural oulema, a wise man, a wizard, a magician. But Renan thinks this derivation doubtful. Elymas withstood Barnabas and Saul just as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses (2 Timothy 3:8, ἀντέστησαν).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Butδὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. Elymas Ἐλύμας (Elymas) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1681: Elymas, the name of the sorcerer at Paphos. Of foreign origin; Elymas, a wizard. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sorcerer μάγος (magos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3097: A sorcerer, a magician, a wizard. Of foreign origin; a Magian, i.e. Oriental scientist; by implication, a magician. (for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. that is what οὕτως (houtōs) Adverb Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows). his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. name ὄνομα (onoma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'. means) μεθερμηνεύεται (methermēneuetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3177: To translate (from one language into another), interpret. From meta and hermeneuo; to explain over, i.e. Translate. opposed ἀνθίστατο (anthistato) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 436: To set against; I withstand, resist, oppose. From anti and histemi; to stand against, i.e. Oppose. them αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. [and] tried ζητῶν (zētōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot. to turn διαστρέψαι (diastrepsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 1294: To pervert, corrupt, oppose, distort. From dia and strepho; to distort, i.e. misinterpret, or corrupt. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. proconsul ἀνθύπατον (anthypaton) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 446: A proconsul. From anti and a superlative of huper; instead of the highest officer, i.e. a Roman proconsul. from ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. faith. πίστεως (pisteōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. 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