Acts 13:9 – “Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas.”

Extended Explanation

This verse marks an important transition in the book of Acts. Here, we see Saul referred to by his other name, Paul, for the first time. From this point on, he is consistently called Paul, especially as his mission shifts toward the Gentiles (non-Jews).

Paul is described as being filled with the Holy Spirit, which means that his response to Elymas the sorcerer (who was opposing the gospel) was not out of personal frustration but directed by God. The phrase “looked straight at Elymas” suggests boldness, confidence, and spiritual authority. This is a critical moment where Paul is about to confront a man who was actively trying to turn Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, away from the faith (Acts 13:8).

This verse sets the stage for a spiritual battle. Elymas was trying to prevent someone from hearing the gospel, but Paul, empowered by the Holy Spirit, was about to rebuke him and demonstrate God’s authority over deception and falsehood.

Historical Context

During this time, it was common for people to have two names—a Hebrew name and a Roman or Greek name. Saul was Paul’s Hebrew name, and Paul was his Roman name. Since his ministry was now shifting toward reaching Gentiles, it made sense to use his Roman name, which was more familiar in the wider Roman world.

Elymas, a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet, had influence in the court of Sergius Paulus, the Roman governor of Cyprus. Many rulers in the ancient world relied on astrologers, sorcerers, and magicians for advice. Elymas likely saw Paul and Barnabas as a threat to his position, which is why he actively opposed them.

Paul’s confrontation with Elymas is similar to other moments in biblical history when God’s true power was demonstrated against deception. A good example is when Moses confronted Pharaoh’s magicians (Exodus 7:11-12) or when Elijah challenged the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:19-40).

Theological Implications

1. Paul’s new name reflects his new mission. By shifting from “Saul” (his Jewish name) to “Paul” (his Roman name), we see that his focus is now on bringing the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15).
2. The Holy Spirit gives boldness to confront evil. Paul was not intimidated by Elymas. His courage came from being filled with the Spirit, which enabled him to speak with authority (Luke 12:12).
3. Spiritual battles require spiritual power. Elymas was using deception, but Paul responded with the power of God. This reminds us that the Christian life is a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12).
4. The gospel exposes falsehood. When God’s truth is preached, those who profit from deception often oppose it fiercely (John 3:19-20).

Literary Analysis

Luke, the writer of Acts, uses a dramatic and focused sentence to highlight Paul’s authority in this moment. The phrase “filled with the Holy Spirit” signals that what happens next is not just Paul’s personal response but a divine confrontation between truth and deception.

The phrase “looked straight at Elymas” adds to the intensity of the scene. This is a moment of direct conflict, similar to other powerful biblical moments where a servant of God stands against opposition—like Jesus confronting the Pharisees or Peter boldly speaking before the Sanhedrin.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 9:15 – God tells Ananias that Saul (Paul) is His chosen instrument to preach to the Gentiles.
• Ephesians 6:12 – Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil.
• Luke 12:12 – Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will give His followers the words to speak in difficult situations.
• Exodus 7:11-12 – Pharaoh’s magicians oppose Moses, but God’s power prevails.
• John 3:19-20 – People reject the light of Christ because they love darkness.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. God equips us for spiritual battles. Just as Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit, we too need God’s power to stand firm against opposition to the gospel.
2. Boldness in faith comes from the Holy Spirit. Paul did not hesitate or shrink back—he stood firm in God’s truth. When faced with challenges to our faith, we must also rely on the Spirit for courage (2 Timothy 1:7).
3. Spiritual deception still exists today. Just as Elymas tried to turn the proconsul away from faith, many forces in the world today try to mislead people from the truth of Jesus. We must be discerning and stand for biblical truth (1 John 4:1).
4. Names matter, but obedience matters more. Paul’s name change reminds us that God calls us to new identities and new purposes in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He empowers His people to stand against deception. Instead of allowing Elymas’s lies to succeed, God gave Paul the boldness and authority to confront him. This shows that God actively fights for His truth and will not leave His people defenseless.

Additionally, God’s love is shown in how He was drawing Sergius Paulus to faith. God cares about each person, regardless of their position in life, and will send the right people at the right time to share the gospel with them.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus also faced opposition from false teachers. Just as Paul confronted Elymas, Jesus boldly rebuked the Pharisees for misleading people (Matthew 23:13).
2. Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit in His ministry. Before confronting Satan in the wilderness, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1). Paul’s boldness in Acts 13:9 follows this same pattern.
3. Jesus gives His followers authority over deception. In Luke 10:19, Jesus told His disciples that He had given them power to overcome the enemy—something we see Paul demonstrating here.
4. Jesus is the light that exposes darkness. Elymas represented spiritual blindness, but Jesus came to open the eyes of the blind (Luke 4:18).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul’s name change is significant in this passage?
2. How does the Holy Spirit give believers courage when facing opposition?
3. Have you ever encountered someone who tried to turn others away from faith in Christ? How did you respond?
4. What are some ways you can be more discerning about spiritual deception today?
5. How can we, like Paul, boldly stand for the truth of the gospel in our daily lives?

Acts 13:9 reminds us that God equips His people with the power of the Holy Spirit to confront falsehood and stand for truth. No matter what opposition we face, we can trust that God’s truth will always prevail!