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Saul’s name is Jewish. His Roman name is Paul or Paulus (verse 9). He and Sergius come from
the same Roman heritage. They both have the name Paulus. As proconsul of the island, he
desires to hear the gospel, but his demon-possessed advisor will try to block it from happening.

ELYMAS THE SORCERER

Act 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking
to turn away the deputy from the faith.

Elymas means wise one in Arabia. He apparently tries to discredit both Saul Barnabas in the
presence of Sergius.

Act 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

Saul, who is called Paul (like Sergius), has been praying in the Spirit for some time and now
stares at Elymas. It is difficult for this demon-possessed person to look back into the eyes of
the believer.

Act 13:10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of
all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

And said, O full of all subtlety (guile) and all mischief (craftiness), thou child of the devil, thou
enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

Paul now has the upper hand by exposing this man before all who are present. Paul asks
Elymas if he is determined to continue perverting God’s ways. If so, God will put a stop to it.

Act 13:11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not
seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he
went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

God immediately judges Elymas. In humiliation, the man who once was in control is now blind
and must be led out by those who can see. Not only is he blind, his satanic roots have been
exposed. He has fooled many for a long time, including the leader of the island. Now Jesus’
greater power has revealed his true nature.