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, …
(for that is what his name means)
The parenthetical explanation clarifies that "Elymas" is a title or description rather than a personal name, emphasizing his role and identity as a practitioner of magic. This detail highlights the biblical practice of revealing the true nature of individuals through their names, as seen in other scriptural examples like Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8:9-24.
opposed them
Elymas actively resisted Paul and Barnabas, who were preaching the Gospel. This opposition is a recurring theme in Acts, where the spread of Christianity often meets resistance from those with vested interests in maintaining the status quo. The spiritual battle between truth and deception is evident here, as Elymas seeks to hinder the apostles' mission.
and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.
The proconsul, Sergius Paulus, was a Roman official, indicating the Gospel's reach into influential circles. Elymas's attempt to turn him from the faith underscores the threat the Gospel posed to existing power structures and belief systems. This mirrors other biblical accounts where leaders are influenced by spiritual advisors, such as Pharaoh's magicians in Exodus. The proconsul's interest in the faith suggests a divine appointment, as God often places seekers in positions to hear the truth, aligning with the broader narrative of God's sovereignty in salvation.
• 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).
• 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).
• 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).
• 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).
• 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).
• 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).
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).