Acts 13:6

Through the isle. Textual evidence supports “through the whole island.” Paul and Barnabas likely taught at various places crossing Cyprus.

Paphos. At the island’s western extremity, the old city was noted for Aphrodite’s sanctuary; in Paul’s day a new city served as the Roman governor’s headquarters. Paul and Barnabas came to this new city.

Sorcerer. Greek magos (pl. magi), originally a Persian priestly class among Iranian fire worshipers, respected as wise men (e.g., those who visited Jesus). By the 5th century B.C., magos also meant “sorcerer” or “quack.” Sophocles uses it for a magic practitioner (Oedipus the King 387). Luke uses a similar term for Simon the sorcerer at Samaria (Acts 8:9). Here it indicates Bar-jesus was a quack despite his influence with the governor.

A false prophet. A decadence in true revelation produces false prophets, accelerating decay.

A Jew. Magic pretenders were common among Jews (Talmud Berakoth 59a). They traded on religious prestige, boasting of spells and charms allegedly from Solomon.

Bar-jesus. A Jewish name, though Greek spelling is uncertain. It may mean “son of Joshua.”