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Acts 13:8

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Acts 13:8

Verse 8 of 52

Scripture focus

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

Acts 13:8 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Acts 13:8

Theological / Devotional

Elymas. The name’s meaning is uncertain; it may be a Semitic word meaning “sorcerer” or “wizard.” “By interpretation” may not mean Elymas is a translation of Bar-jesus but adds that he was a sorcerer.

Sorcerer. Greek magos (see v. 6).

Withstood them. The charlatan feared losing influence over the proconsul, who was moving from credulity toward faith. Elymas sought to check this change. Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses similarly (2 Tim. 3:8).

Seeking to turn away. Sergius Paulus had not yet accepted Christ’s doctrine but was interested. Elymas wished to divert him from the apostles, but the proconsul was determined and summoned them.

By SdaBc