Acts 13:4-12

Preaching at Paphos

The company first went to Seleucia, which was the port city of Antioch. It was located about 16 miles downstream. They sailed approximately one hundred miles to Salamis, the largest city on the eastern end of the island of Cyprus. Coffman reports that some 50 years after Barnabas and Saul were there, there was a Jewish uprising in which 240,000 Gentiles were slaughtered. Hadrian, a future Roman emperor, put down the rebellion and expelled the Jews from the city. Luke told Theophilus that Barnabas and Saul preached in the synagogues within the city. John Mark served as their attendant.

They crossed the island to Paphos, the capital city and home of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, identified by Luke as a wise man. He had a Jewish adviser known as Bar-jesus, who Luke also describes as a sorcerer, or one who used magic and incantations, and a false prophet. The name Elymas is an Arabic word meaning sorcerer. Sergius Paulus sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear God's word.

Elymas did everything he could to deter the proconsul from hearing these preachers, likely fearing he would lose his influence. Luke says Saul, who was also known by his Greek name, Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit when he challenged the sorcerer. The apostle described him as a deceiver who opposed righteous living. By the power of God, Paul struck him blind for a season. Coffman notes the word "mist" was used by Hippocrates to describe any dimming of vision brought on by cataracts or disease. The teachings of Jesus which had been presented and the power of the miracle convinced Sergius Paulus to follow Christ in full obedience (Acts 13:4-12).