Acts 13:6-8 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:
Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
Insight and Highlight
Matthew 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Scripture Commentaries
An enemy within, in any setting, is also a household enemy.
Most times, an enemy will first try to be a friend so that he can get into you.
An enemy outside needs an enemy within to operate successfully.
Elymas the sorcerer was also Barjesus was deputy to Sergius Paulus, the Governor.
He must have played and exercised control over the mind of Sergius.
Barjesus must have been a powerful influence on Sergius by way of sorcery.
He must have been a counselor by sorcery.
The spirits (enemies outside) operating against Sergius operated successfully through Sergius' enemy within- called Bar-Jesus.
Whatever Barjesus told Sergius was upheld by Sergius. He will stop at nothing to make sure Sergius' eyes were not opened to see the truth unto deliverance.
May God deliver us from people who are stalking us but unknown to us.
Sergius, a prudent man, sought the word of God from Paul and Barnabas to free himself from the apparent dominion and bondage of Bar-Jesus.
Barjesus moved in to withstand the gospel from reaching, the head of the country, Sergius.
Bar-Jesus received a curse of temporary blindness: "...for a season..." Acts 13:11.
The head, Sergius, did not receive the gospel until his enemy within was dealt with.
The Scripture records the moment after which Barjesus was rebuked and cursed saying Sergius the ".... governor saw what had happened, he believed; for he was greatly amazed at the teaching about the Lord. Acts 13:12.
Trials of life do expose who true friends or close allies are.
Be vigilant, be watchful.
Remorse corner
Be careful, some people may be too close to you for comfort. When they are, they are dangerously or uncomfortably near.
Call to Word action
Elymas withstood Barnabas and Saul just as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses (2 Timothy 3:8)
The Christian clarion duty
When the moment was right for Sergius, Barjesus stood in his way. It simply illustrates Barjesus had never been there for Sergius. With Barjesus as a friend, Sergius needed no enemy.
Prayer
Lord, reveal all my household enemies and enemies within. Do not allow them to prevail over me. Destroy all territorial spirits limiting my advancement, in Jesus' name.
Good morning all and have a blessed day.
God bless you.
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