Acts 13:6-8 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

When they had gone through the isle unto Paphos Which lay on its western coast; they found a certain sorcerer Or magician; a false prophet Who falsely pretended to foretel future events; a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus Or the son of one Jesus, or Joshua. “There were many instances of real or pretended sorcery among the Jews in those days, which seems to have been designed by Satan and wicked men to bring into disrepute the miracles of Christ and his apostles. But by comparing them, in several instances, the Christian cause was magnified yet more than it would otherwise have been. Nevertheless, it is to be feared they wrought on many, who were not wise and candid enough to examine, so as to introduce a general contempt of all pretences to supernatural powers as false or inconclusive.” Doddridge. Which was with the deputy Which Jew was with the Roman proconsul there, as ανθυπατος, the word here rendered deputy, properly signifies; Sergius Paulus, a prudent man A man of a steady conduct and thoughtful temper; and therefore not overswayed by the sorcerer, but desirous to inquire further; who called for Barnabas and Saul Having received some general information of their character and doctrine; and desired to hear the word of God That he might know what was the purport of their preaching, and what regard was due to it. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation That is, the word, Elymas, of Arabic or Hebrew derivation, signifies sorcerer, or magician) withstood them Being sensible that he should be no more regarded if their doctrine was received, and therefore setting himself with all his might to hinder the effect of it. Seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith To prevent his embracing it, by a variety of crafty and false insinuations.