Luke the beloved physician wrote how Barnabas and Saul, “had gone through the isle unto Paphos”, and “they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God”, and in chapter thirteen and verse eight of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them” where we read:
But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them,
seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
The verse begins, “But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, ...” Luke began with the words, “but Elymas the sorcerer” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover Elymas whose name means a wise man and is the Arabic name of the Jewish magnus or sorcerer Barjesus” “(for so is his name” or “because, since and on account that Barjesus' name” “by interpretation” which “translated into the language of one with whom a person wishes to communicate”) “withstood them” or “set himself against, resisted and opposed Barnabas and Saul”. Luke shared how “Barjesus” whose name was translated to “Elymas” resisted “Barnabas and Saul” as they shared the “word of God” with “Sergius Paulus”.
The verse goes on to say, “seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.” Luke continued with the words, “seeking to turn away the deputy” which means “striving and demanding that the governor Sergius Paulus plot in opposition to and aside” “from the faith” or “apart and separate from the strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah”. Luke shared how “Elymas” desired to “turn” “Sergius Paulus” away from belief in the “gospel of Jesus Christ” that was shared by “Barnabas and Saul”.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Barjesus” also known as “Elymas” was opposed to the “governor, Sergius Paulus” hearing and believing the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can imagine how he determined to undermine everything “Barnabas and Saul” said about God's grace through His Son Jesus, and we shall see how “Saul” responds to him. When Jesus was on the earth, people opposed Him, and anyone who shares His “good news” are certain to face opposition today. Those who are wise will listen beyond the clatter of those who are opposed to the “gospel”, and they shall receive Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”. Those who receive Jesus will gain the forgiveness of their sins and everlasting life with His Father God in Heaven. Those who stand against the “good news” of God will encounter Him after their life expires, and they shall give an account of every resistance to His eternal words.
Next time Luke shares how, “Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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