Acts 13:8

Acts 13:8

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

1. “But Elymas the sorcerer(for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them,

a. Elymas [1681 * Elumas] [Zodhiates: Elymas, meaning sage, is the Arabic designation of his name.]

b. interpretation [3177 * methermeneuo] [Zodhiates: To translate from one language to another.]

c. withstood [436 * antihistemi; anti-against; histemi-to stand] [Zodhiates: to stand against, resist in word or deed.]

d. This word is used in 2 Timothy 3:8 twice. It is translated “withstood” and “resist”.

1). 2 Timothy 3:8 “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.”

2). Surely when Elymas realized his influence over Sergius Paulus would be ending, his opposition to the gospel started.

e. This same Greek word is translated “withstand” in Ephesians 6:13; and “resist” in 1 Peter 5:9 and James 4:7. So we are to do toward the devil what he and his followers do to us and the gospel message.

2. “…seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.”

a. seeking [2212 * zeteo] [Zodhiates: to seek by thinking, to seek how to do something, how to obtain, strive after, endeavor.]

b. Acts 13:8 implies that Barnabas and Paul had already presented the gospel to Sergius Paulus and apparently had a very favorable reception. Elymas then attempted to undo it.