What does Acts 13:6 mean?

And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus: Acts 13:6

Explanation

Acts 13:6 speaks about an event that took place during Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey. Here, the apostles had traveled through Cyprus, reaching Paphos, which was an important city on the island, known for its worship of the goddess Aphrodite. There, they encountered a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-jesus, which translates to “son of Jesus” or “son of Joshua.” The name Bar-jesus is Aramaic, with “Bar” indicating sonship. It’s important to note that “Jesus” was a common name at that time, derived from the Hebrew name “Yeshua.” This man was also known as Elymas according to verse 8 of the same chapter. Elymas opposed the teaching of Paul and Barnabas and sought to turn the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus away from the faith. This confrontation reflects the struggle between the early Christian mission and other spiritual influences competing for the hearts and minds of people at that time.

Historical Context

During the first century, Cyprus was a Roman province and Paphos was its capital, which had a considerable Jewish population. Sorcery and magical practices were common during this period, and Jewish sorcerers often had a significant following due to the Jewish people’s reputation for having deep knowledge of mystical traditions. This encounter with Bar-jesus thus reflects the environment in which Paul and Barnabas preached—one in which they had to constantly challenge various belief systems, including sorcery, to spread the Gospel.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse underscores the conflict between early Christianity and other belief systems that claimed supernatural insight or power. Bar-jesus represents a force of deception and opposition to the truth of the Gospel. In Christian theology, miracles and works done through the power of God are contrasted with acts performed through sorcery or magic, which are often associated with deceit and the demonic.

Practical Applications

In a contemporary context, Acts 13:6 might inspire believers to discern between truth and falsehood, and to stand firm in their faith when encountering ideas or philosophies that contradict their beliefs. It also serves as an encouragement to engage in spiritual and ideological warfare, not with hostility, but with the wisdom and power provided through the Holy Spirit.

Cross-References

• Acts 8:9-11: “But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria…”
• Acts 13:8-10: “But Elymas the sorcerer…withstood them…”
• 2 Corinthians 11:14-15: “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”
• Deuteronomy 18:10-12: “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire…”
• Galatians 5:19-21: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft…”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term used for “sorcerer” is “μάγος” (magos), which suggests a magician or a person with occult knowledge typically associated with the Persian priestly caste. The term “ψευδοπροφήτης” (pseudoprophetes) is used for “false prophet,” indicating an individual who pretends to proclaim divine revelation but whose message is not from God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of magic and sorcery was common in many ancient cultures, including the Greek and Roman societies of Paul’s time. Such practices often involved rituals and invocations intended to manipulate spiritual forces, which were starkly opposed by the monotheistic worldview of Judaism and Christianity that insisted on the supremacy of one God.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, magic and sorcery are typically viewed as pseudosciences because their claims do not adhere to empirical methods or reproducibility. Modern science would ascribe any seemingly miraculous events either to psychological effects, such as the placebo effect, or to deception and sleight of hand, rather than to supernatural causes.

Commentaries

Commentators on Acts 13:6 offer various insights:

• John Calvin saw the confrontation with Bar-jesus as a demonstration of God’s power over evil and deception.
• Matthew Henry highlighted the cunning and insidious nature of false teachers like Elymas and the importance of divine intervention to deal with them.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the pagan environment of Paphos and how it was ripe for the challenges presented by the apostles’ ministry.
• Many commentators also emphasize the discernment required by Christians when confronted with deceptive teachings and practices.