ACTS 13:4–12
THE MISSION TO CYPRUS AND THE CONFRONTATION WITH ELYMAS THE MAGICIAN
Text – Acts 13:4–12
4 So they, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus.
5 When they arrived in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their assistant.
6 They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus,
7 who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.
8 But Elymas the magician (that is the translation of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
9 But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of every deceit and every fraud, will you not stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord?
11 Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind, unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately a mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.
12 Then the proconsul, seeing what had happened, came to believe, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
Historical and Jewish Context
Cyprus was Barnabas’ homeland and an important crossroads of Mediterranean trade and culture. Jewish synagogues in the Diaspora often served as initial points of evangelization. Magicians and astrologers were common in Greco-Roman society and frequently attached themselves to political leaders as advisers. Elymas represents religious deception that manipulates spiritual power for influence. The title “proconsul” situates the event within Roman provincial governance, highlighting the Gospel’s early engagement with imperial authority.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage shows the Gospel’s confrontation with false spirituality and misuse of religious power. Paul’s Spirit-filled rebuke mirrors prophetic judgment and recalls biblical blindness as a sign calling to repentance. The episode reveals a shift in Acts: Saul is now called Paul, marking the beginning of his Gentile mission. The conversion of a Roman official demonstrates that the Gospel reaches all levels of society. True faith arises not merely from miracles, but from “the teaching of the Lord,” which astonishes and converts hearts.
Parallels in Scripture
Exodus 7:10–12 – Power of God over false signs
Deuteronomy 18:10–12 – Condemnation of sorcery
Luke 11:14–20 – Authority over demonic opposition
Acts 8:9–24 – Simon the magician
2 Corinthians 4:4 – Spiritual blindness and deception
Key Terms
Sent by the Holy Spirit – Divine origin of mission
Synagogues – Initial place of proclamation
False prophet – One who opposes God’s truth
Paul – Apostle to the Gentiles
Blindness – Judgment leading to repentance
Teaching of the Lord – Foundation of authentic faith
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Acts 13:4–12 is proclaimed during the Easter Season, emphasizing discernment between true faith and deception and affirming the Church’s mission to proclaim Christ in every culture.
Conclusion
Acts 13:4–12 shows that the Gospel advances through Spirit-led proclamation and courageous confrontation with falsehood. God’s power overcomes deception, and sincere seekers, like Sergius Paulus, are led to faith through the truth of Christ.
Reflection
Do I discern carefully between true faith and false spirituality?
Am I courageous in witnessing to the truth when it is opposed?
How open am I to being transformed by the teaching of the Lord?
Prayer
Lord God, You are the source of all truth and light. Protect my heart from deception, strengthen my faith through Your word, and grant me courage to proclaim Christ with clarity and love in every circumstance. Amen.