Join us as we read the scriptures and a daily devotion written by Don Crisp. We pray these messages will bless us all at this time.
Acts chapter 13:6-12:
Categories: Don’s Daily Devotions
Acts chapter 13:6-12:
V6: They travel across the island to Paphos ( the port on the West coast, for ships sailing to Asia.) Here they encounter a man named ” Bar-Jesus” ( probably not an act of mockery, for the name, the equivalent of the OT Joshua, was in wide use.) But he is called a ” magician” and a ” false prophet “. Again let us remember the realities of Satan’s deceptions and malice. ( See Ephesians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 2:11, 4 v 4, 11:14-15.)
V7: He has great influence over the “pro-consul” ( the Roman governor of the Island.) He is however an intelligent man, and with a seeking heart, and asks Saul and Barnabas to speak the Word of the Lord to him. God’s grace is surely already at work here.
V8: Of course the false prophet, called here by his Greek name, Elymas, tries to turn this man from the truth.
V9-10: Saul – now called Paul for the first time – perhaps his Greek name is now used, for his wider ministry to come – denounces Elymas for what he is, the tool of Satan, seeking to hinder the Gospel.
V11-12: In an immediate judgement from God, and perhaps to authenticate the Holy Spirit’s work through Paul, he is struck blind ( though we are told this was a temporary judgement at this time ) but Sergius Paulus, both amazed at what he has witnessed but also we are told at the teaching about Jesus he has heard, comes to true faith that day. So God seals the work by grace.