Acts 13:9

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

Key Reflection

Elymas, whose name means "oracular answer" in Greek, tried to prevent Sergius Paulus from believing by using his supposed magical powers. This scene highlights the tension between the early Christian mission and local magicians who claimed similar abilities but were actually performing fraudulent acts, attempting to mislead the proconsul away from the truth of the gospel message.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 9. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul.) This is the last time that this apostle is called Saul. Henceforward he is designated by the title by which he is usually known, as Paul. When, or why, this change occurred in the name, has been a subject on which commentators are not agreed. From the fact that the change in the name is here first intimated, it would seem probable that it was first used in relation to him at this time. By whom the name was given him--whether he assumed it himself, or whether it was first given him by Christians or by Romans-- is not intimated. The name is of Roman origin.

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