Bar-jesus

A man living at the time of the New Testament, also called Elymas, mentioned in Acts 13:6.

About Bar-jesus

A Jewish sorcerer and a “false prophet” (someone who falsely claimed to speak for God). He worked with the governor of Paphos on the island of Cyprus (Acts 13:6). When the governor, Sergius Paulus, became interested in the message of Paul and Barnabas, Bar-Jesus tried to turn him away from their teachings. Paul confronted Bar-Jesus, calling him a "son of the devil" and predicting that he would be temporarily blinded as a punishment from God. Immediately, Bar-Jesus was struck with blindness (Acts 13:712). The governor seems to have converted to Christianity.

At that time, many people who easily believed in supernatural events were influenced by those who claimed to have special powers like Bar-Jesus (compare Acts 8:911). The term "sorcerer" used for him meant more than just magician; it often referred to a wise man whose knowledge was thought to be greater than that of most others in society.

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Key References

Acts 13:6

They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus,

Acts 13:8

But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.

All Scripture References (2)

Acts (2)
Acts 13:6

They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus,

Acts 13:8

But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.