Elymas the Magician

Acts 13:6-12

Excerpt

‎A Jewish sorcerer whom Paul encountered at Paphos on the island of Cyprus (Acts 13:6–12). Elymas opposed Paul’s efforts to teach the gospel to Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul of the island. For his opposition, Elymas was stricken with temporary blindness. The narrative presents Christianity in contrast to religious magic.

‎Elymas was probably attached to the proconsul’s entourage as a personal adviser who claimed to know divine will. Like many Romans, Sergius Paulus was interested in knowing any divine guidance for his affairs, and he retained Elymas for that purpose. Elymas undoubtedly perceived the efforts of Paul as a threat to his position with the proconsul.

McClister, L. David. “Elymas.” Ed. David Noel Freedman, Allen C. Myers, & Astrid B. Beck. Eerdmans dictionary of the Bible 2000 : 403. Print.

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