Straight at Elymas

Job 9-10; Acts 13-14 

“The Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, ‘You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you…’”

Acts 13:9-11

Why did Paul confront Elymas in the presence of the proconsul?

Paul discerned that Elymas was deliberately deceiving the proconsul and opposing the gospel. This bold confrontation required Paul to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He was opposing spiritual forces of darkness that would have prevented the gospel from spreading throughout the island of Cyprus.

Are we facing similar opposition to the gospel from people who also are a “child of the devil” and an “enemy of everything that is right”?

Avoiding these confrontations will not work. Prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit continue to be weapons the Lord has given us as we live on mission. We live and proclaim a gospel of peace with God, with our neighbour, and with creation; but, that doesn’t mean we avoid spiritual warfare.

“Lord Jesus, you have all authority and your will and ways will prevail, for your glory.”