Acts 13:8-10 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 13:4-13

In these verses we have, I. A general account of the coming of Barnabas and Saul to the famous island of Cyprus; and perhaps thitherward they steered their course because Barnabas was a native of that country (Acts 4:36), and he was willing they should have the first-fruits of his labours, pursuant to his new commission. Observe, 1. Their being sent forth by the Holy Ghost was the great thing that encouraged them in this undertaking, Acts 13:4. If the Holy Ghost send them forth, he will go... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 13:4-12

13:4-12 So when they had been sent out by the Holy Spirit they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed away to Cyprus. When they were in Salamis they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogue of the Jews; and they had John as their helper. They went through the whole island as far as Paphos, and there they found a man who was a dealer in magic, a false prophet and a Jew. His name was Bar-Jesus and he was with the pro-consul Sergius Paulus who was an intelligent man. The pro-consul... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 13:8

But Elymas the sorcerer, for so is his name by interpretation ,.... Not that Magus a sorcerer is by interpretation Elymas; as if Luke was interpreting the Persic word "Magus", which is sometimes used in a good sense, for a wise man, as in Matthew 2:1 by an Arabic word "Elim", which signifies knowing; but "Elymas" is the interpretation of his name "Bar-jesus"; which as that signifies the son of salvation, or of healing, so this, as De Dieu observes, may be derived from חלם , "Chalam",... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 13:9

Then Saul (who also is called Paul) ,.... He was called by both these names; as he was a Jew by birth, his parents called him Saul, that was his Jewish name, and by which he went among the Jews; and as he was a citizen of a Roman city, Tarsus in Cilicia, he went among the Romans, or Gentiles, by the name of Paul, a Roman name; and it was usual with the Jews to be called after this manner, that is, to have one name among themselves, and another among the Gentiles: it is a rule with them F14... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 13:10

And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief ,.... Which may have regard both to his general character as a sorcerer, and a false prophet; in acting up to which he used much deceit and cunning among the people, and did much mischief to them; to which there was a promptness and readiness in him, as the word used signifies; and also to the sophistry he used, and the mischief he endeavoured to do in seeking to turn the deputy from the faith. The minds of carnal men are vain and empty, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:8

But Elymas, the sorcerer, (for so is his name by interpretation) - That is, Elymas is the interpretation of the word μαγος , or sorcerer; not of the word Bar-Jesus as some have imagined; and to support which they have been led into strange etymologies on the word βαρ-Ιησους , Bar-Jesus. But how is Elymas, Ελυμας , the interpretation of the word μαγος , magician or sorcerer? Ans. Both names are Asiatic; but neither Hebrew nor Greek. I have already observed, in the note on Matthew 2:1... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:9

Saul, who also is - Paul - This is the first time the name Paul occurs, and the last time in which this apostle is called Saul, as his common or general name. Saul, שאול Shaul , was the name of the first Israelitish king, and signifies asked, sought; from שאל shaal , he asked, inquired, etc. Paul, Paulus, if derived from the Latin, signifies little, dwarfish: but if from the Hebrew, פלא pala , it signifies extraordinary, wonderful; and this appears to have been the derivation... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:10

O full of all subtilty - Δολου , Deceit, pretending to supernatural powers without possessing any, and having only cunning and deceit as their substitutes. And - mischief - Ῥᾳδιουργιας , from ῥᾳδιος , easy, and εργον , a work; one who is ready at his work; a word which excellently well defines a juggler, one who is expert at sleight of hand; though it is often employed to signify an abandoned and accomplished villain. Child of the devil - Υἱε διαβολου , Son of the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:8

Verse 8 8.To turn away the deputy from the faith. No marvel if the seducer seek to put away the light, whereby he saw his own darkness driven away. (782) The same stour [contest] have we at this day with a number of babblers, who use to sell their smokes, and to shut, by all shifts possible, the eyes of the simple, that they may not behold the Sun of righteousness, being now risen. We must wrestle with such lets; for as there be [not] always and everywhere magicians present, which procure us... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:9

Verse 9 9.And Saul, who was also called Paul. Luke showeth now how God brake the bond wherein the deputy was bound. For seeing that he was too much addicted to the magician, he could not embrace true doctrine as one that was free and at liberty; for the devil keepeth those minds (which he hath entangled) in his slavery after a wonderful and incredible manner, that they cannot see even the most plain truth; but so soon as he was once vanquished, Paul could easily enter in unto the deputy. And... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 13:4-13

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 13:4-12

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 13:8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 13:9

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 13:10

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:9

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:10

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:8

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:9

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