Elymas (Bar-Jesus)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Bar-Jesus (Aramaic) means “son of Jesus/Joshua”; Elymas is given as a name/title associated with “magician” (Acts 13:8).
• Period/Era: Early Church (Apostolic Age) within the Roman Imperial Context.
• Main References: Acts 13:6–12.
• Key Connections: Sergius Paulus (proconsul of Cyprus); Paul and Barnabas during their mission.

Who was Elymas (Bar-Jesus)?

Elymas, also called Bar-Jesus, is described as a Jewish magician and false prophet on Cyprus.
He was associated with the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus at Paphos.
In Acts, he actively opposed the apostolic message and sought to turn the proconsul away from the faith.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Encountered Paul and Barnabas on Cyprus while they proclaimed the word of God (Acts 13:6–7).
• Event 2: Resisted their message before Sergius Paulus and attempted to hinder his response (Acts 13:8).
• Event 3: Was struck with temporary blindness at Paul’s word, leading to the proconsul’s amazement (Acts 13:11–12).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Elymas illustrates how opposition to the apostolic witness can hinder others’ hearing, yet the mission continues under God’s authority.

Key Verse

"And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time." — Acts 13:11, ESV