Shawn's teaching discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early Christian church by setting apart individuals, like Barnabas and Saul, for specific missions, emphasizing that ordination is not an endowment of divine power but a separation for a particular purpose. He highlights the traditional practice of laying hands for blessing and encouragement and underscores the importance of prayer and support for those embarking on spiritual missions or journeys.
In the city of Salamis in Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas preached in Jewish synagogues, accompanied by John Mark, before encountering Bar-Jesus, a Jewish false prophet and sorcerer, on the isle of Paphos alongside the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus, who was open-minded and eager to hear their teachings about the word of God. This narrative emphasizes the importance of maintaining openness in faith discussions, as exemplified by both Sergius Paulus's and a young man's willingness to engage with differing beliefs while staying grounded in their own convictions.
Shawn teaches that the Truth with a capital ‘T’ exists as an absolute force that liberates and is represented by the transformative message of Jesus, who came to heal the brokenhearted, preach deliverance to the captives, and provide freedom to those oppressed. This Truth, exemplified by Paul and Barnabas, is often resisted by false teachings and individuals like the sorcerer Elymas, who symbolically represents counterfeits that take advantage of others and oppose liberation and enlightenment.
Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts a deceitful sorcerer named Elymas, who attempts to mislead others from the faith and pervert the correct path of the Lord, by discerning Elymas's fraudulent nature and proclaiming judgment upon him, causing temporary blindness. This teaching emphasizes the need for certainty and divine insight when confronting those who oppose the truth of the Gospel, as demonstrated through Paul's actions, which require more than human discernment when exposing falsehoods.
This teaching by Shawn emphasizes that the apostolic authority demonstrated by Paul, specifically his ability to pronounce and execute judgment through temporary physical blindness, was unique to the early Christian era and is not present in the church today. It illustrates how God's judgments serve a corrective and redemptive purpose rather than being permanent, as shown by the temporary nature of the punishment given to the sorcerer, who ultimately became a convert according to early church tradition.
Teachings from Jesus about punishments emphasize that they are temporary, precisely fit the crime committed, and conclude once they have fulfilled their corrective purpose. This notion suggests that consequences aligned with one's actions are meticulously administered and finite in duration.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Early Church Missions
WELCOME PRAYER SONG SILENCE Acts 13:2-11 October 23rd, 2016 Milk
Okay folks we launched into some thoughts about the Holy Spirit last week – which, according to the second verse – said to someone there in Antioch . . .
“Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”
This does not mean to officially set apart through some priesthood ordination but it does adhere to the word ordain which simply means to – set someone apart from the rest to do something. We have concocted the idea that ordination means empowering others from on high (or powers that have been passed down from our highest earthly authority but it means nothing more than to take a person (or in this case two – Barnabas and Saul) and separate them from the rest. The Holy Spirit added:
“For the work whereunto I have called them.”
Which was preaching the Good News around the regions of Antioch. This was a temporary assignment because (as we will see) when they did as they were charged they returned to Antioch. We note that again the Spirit said that these places were “whereunto I have called them.”
I find this passage very difficult to see as God and Jesus are absentee managers who have no idea or input into the say of the Holy Spirit when we read that it says, “this is whereunto I have called them,” but instead see this as God, through Jesus Christ, by His Spirit, directing the affairs of the early church.
Fasting, Praying, and Sending
Acts 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. 6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: 7 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. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
Alright, back to verse 3
3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Imparting Blessings and Encouragement
Being that this was a mission of the VERY Church of Jesus Christ we can readily assume that there was prayers and fasting and encouragement. There can only be good results when believers send others off on missions in the name of the Lord and this was no exception – neither should it be an exception today. When people we know are about to embark on anything it's good practice to include prayer on their behalf.
One of the ways that the Jews of the Old Covenant blessed others (and conveyed priestly rights) was through laying on of hands. So this carryover from that time was present here. Not a bad idea today – the laying on of believers' hands on another. But we cannot allow ourselves to believe this was authoritative in some manner. Paul was an apostle. The man wrote scripture. He was not receiving any special dispensation of powers from the lay membership to go out in the surrounding areas. Both had openly and freely already been out preaching and teaching the Good News. It was merely a way to impart blessings, encouragement, and Christian love. And so it is today.
4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. The city of Seleusia was situated at the mouth of the river Orontes, where it falls into the Mediterranean. Antioch was also built on this river, some distance from its mouth. After going there they went to Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean.
Paul and Barnabas Preach in Cyprus
Not far from Seleucia, they were at Salamis, a principal city and seaport in Cyprus, where they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. Remember, Paul always went to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles to whom he was specifically called. They had also John to their minister, and this would be John Mark as opposed to John the Beloved. In any case, all Luke is telling us is they went to the synagogues of the Jews there before their travels continued.
Encounters in Paphos
And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus. Apparently, Paphos was a city at the western extremity of the island of Cyprus, and at that time, there was a great temple there honoring Venus who was worshipped throughout the island. In fact, the Island of Cyprus was fabled to be the place of the birth of this goddess. It had, besides Paphos and Salamis, several towns of note—Citium, the birthplace of Zeno, and Amathus, a place sacred to Venus. Today its capital is Nicosia, and Paphos is still on the western end! So they get to this place right on the coast of this Mediterranean Island, and what do they find? They found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus.
The Greek word translated as sorcerer here is “magos,” and it means magician, conjurer, even a scientist from the Far East. But he is not only called a sorcerer but has the added title of “a false prophet.” Put the two together, and it seems to be describing a man who uses the false arts of magic or conjuring to prove himself to be a prophet of some sort, inspired in some way or manner. We note that Luke also tells us that he was a Jew named BarJesus, which means, Son of Joshua. Bar is a Syriac word that means Son, and Jesus or Yeshua was not an uncommon name for a Jew to have, so he was the Son of Yeshua, barJesus (like Simon Bar-Jonas). So there’s one character, Bar-Jesus.
6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus.
7 Which was (or who 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.
Sergius Paulus: A Prudent Man
At this time, Cyprus was subject to the Roman Empire and was governed by someone known as “a proconsul” who was appointed by the emperor to govern over an area under Roman rule. History proves that what Luke says here about “Sergius Paulus, a prudent man and Proconsul” over Cyprus to be correct. Also, the word rendered “prudent” here means intelligent, wise, and learned. Apparently, he was given to liberal open views and had an inquiring nature, so he sought out the attention of Barnabas and Saul. Open, seeking, studied, willing to hear. I love it. We have nothing to fear when it comes to the opinions of others. Let them speak. Let them convey their best arguments. If we have God in us, where is the fear?
I recently had a young college man who has been engaging a group of LDS missionaries call me. He has spent a lot of time talking with them and hearing their views, but recently, when he was invited to attend one of their meetings, his pastor told him he was taking things too far and should refrain. So he called me, fearing that if he refuses to attend a meeting, that the door of sharing with these young men will end. I was curious about what might lead the pastor to counsel against his attending a Mormon meeting, so I asked: Are you being swayed by their views? He laughed and said, “not at all.” I asked if, in his time with the missionaries, he was able to plant seeds from the Word,” and he said, “absolutely.” I said (admittedly a little impetuously), “well, your pastor’s a fool.” Then I quickly corrected myself and said, “I mean he doesn’t understand that you have God in you, and there is nothing in an LDS meeting that will take you from His hand. The man was relieved as he felt sincerely led to continue his relationship with them.
So the attitude of Sergius Paulus was also open—“Come teach me your views Paul and Barnabas,” he seems to have said. “I desire to hear your views.”
8 But El-oo-mas the sorcerer (for
The Battle Between Truth and Counterfeit
Eloomas the sorcerer, for so is his name by interpretation, withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Eloomas is an Arabic name for magician, just like Magos is in the Greek. He resisted Paul and Barnabas. “Anthis-stay-mee” – he opposed, he resisted the message that they were bringing to Sergius Paulos.
Now, this brings us to a very important principle that abides over the world of epistemology (which is the study of how we know things).
First, there is a truth out there with a capital T. This truth exists on itself and has no purpose in having people receive or understand it except for the fact that it is the Truth (with a capital T) and this truth WILL, in fact, set people truly FREE.
The interesting thing about this truth, this message, is that it comes freely, or as Isaiah said:
Isaiah 55:1 “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” And it continues to keep and lead all who receive it in freedom. Got that? Again why did Jesus come? Toward the beginning of His ministry Jesus came to a synagogue, and when the pulpit was opened up for people to freely express themselves, Jesus did. This is how Luke reports the event:
The Mission of Jesus
Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
From this we know, from the Lord’s recitation of Isaiah that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him that he was anointed to:
- Preach the Gospel to the poor.
- To heal the brokenhearted.
- To preach deliverance to those in captivity.
- To give sight to those who are blind, and
- To set them at liberty who are crushed.
Got all of that? Reworded, He came to give something to the poor (does not take from them), heal the broken hearted (does not break hearts), preach or teach deliverance to those bound by anything (does not capture or try to bind people), give sight to those who have been blinded (does not blind people to anything), and free people who have been crushed (does not crush people into servitude or burden them more). When the Truth with a capital T is presented in its fullness, these are the results. It is wonderful. It is good News. It does no harm but only good to all who receive it.
Resistance Against the Truth
In our story here, Paul and Barnabas were in possession of this Good News and were asked by Sergio Paulus to share it. However, they (or really, the Message of Truth they were there to share) was “resisted.” By what or whom? A sorcerer. A magician. In the end . . . “a counterfeit to the unadulterated truth.
The Truth that sets us free vs A counterfeit to the truth that sets us free
- Represented by Paul and Barnabas vs Represented by a Sorcerer false Prophet
- Gives to the poor vs takes from them
- Heals broken hearts vs breaks hearts somehow
- Teaches Liberty vs Somehow takes liberty
- Provides vision that lasts vs Somehow blinds (blinds and binds)
- Frees those who have been crushed vs Crushes those who should be freed
It goes without saying then that the purveyors of false systems, not truths, false prophecies or systems of magic would, out of self-preservation, resist the propagation of anything that threatens its existence—so especially the truth—at every turn.
For Eloomas, he probably knew that if Paul and Barnabas could influence this Roman Procurator then he would be exposed as an imposter.
Paul's Interaction with the Sorcerer
and his influence and power and money would end. Luke says that he desired to “turn away the deputy from the faith.” The Greek is Dee-astreph-o him turn the things that Saul and Barnabas were saying around. To convolute them, confuse them.
(verse 9)
9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
Here we discover the last time that Paul is referred to as Saul, (who also is called Paul.) Why was there a change? Let me put it this way, if you have an opinion its as good as all the others out there on why. We can really say conclusively. We know Paul is of Roman origin (it means dwarfish or smallish) but we do not know who bestowed it on him. Some suggest it was given him as an adult because he was small. Again, don’t know. The name Saul, however, does not mean the same thing as Paul. Saul means, “asked for” in Hebrew not dwarfish. So though they sound so similar Paul, from what I can ascertain, is not the Latin way of saying Saul. In any case Paul was filled with the Holy Ghost. And as an apostle of the Lord he was able to not only able to read the heart of this sorcerer but was able to announce Divine judgment and to inflict punishment on him.
Luke tells us that Paul then
“Set his eyes on him.” (looked at him intently) (verse 10).
Paul Confronts the Sorcerer
10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
What was Paul able to discern about this sorcerer?
He was “full of all subtilty” and mischief. He was a child of the devil An enemy of all righteousness And he sought to pervert the right ways of the Lord
The word subtilty means he was deceitful and fraudulent and implies that he was practicing a lie and that he knew it. The word rendered “mischief,” here in the Greek means possessing the ability to act with sleight of hand – to be sly, cunning and to deceive through trickery. It is not a word used elsewhere used in the New Testament. It is believed by some that the art of Elymas consisted in sleight of hand or a trick which was done in accordance of some science which could easily sway those unsuspecting souls who were not armed to defend themselves.
Paul calls him a “child of the devil,” which means that he was under his influence, practicing his ways to the point that he could be called his father. And then being a child of the devil he would also naturally be an “enemy of all righteousness.”
Paul's Exhortation
Paul then asks Eloomas a question:
“Wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?”
Again, we don’t know exactly what ways these were or how he sought to tweak or twist (or pervert them). Again, in what way he had opposed Paul and Barnabas is not known but the Greek does imply that he was misrepresenting their teachings somehow or twisting them around.
The phrase the “right paths” can be understood to be the straight path verses crooked or twisted paths of a counterfeit. All of the words Paul uses toward Eloomas support the end-purposes of those who propose and promote and something that is NOT the truth with a capital T.
Now, a few insights. First of all, Paul truly calls this man out without any apparent restraint. Are we to follow suit today? Some do, some say we don’t. How to justify either position? I would say that when we undertake the task of thinking we can read the heart and motives of others we had better be damn sure we have the same clarity of the soul of the person involved that Paul had. Some think they can take the example of Paul here and because it’s in the Bible believe they are entitled to use the same approach toward those they believe are in the way of the Gospel, or those who are evil, or even unsaved.
How can we know if this is right or wrong? Let’s read more, shall we? (verse 11 where Paul adds)
11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went
The Unique Nature of Apostolic Authority
about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
Did you catch it? Paul, called by Christ to be his apostle to the Gentile world, and therefore in all probability given the power to bind and loose on earth by the power of Christ, to bless and to curse in the name of God, not only called the man out (judged His heart) but had the power to pronounce and to execute judgment appropriately. In other words, what I take away from this is believers today have the absolute right to call anyone out for their sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace. and evil ways IF they also have the power and ability to also pronounce a verdict upon them and then to also execute judgment – on the spot.
No ability to do the latter, then I would say no right to do the former. This is why knowing that the apostles had special powers to do miracles were for that day and age – and there was no messing around with these facts. The miracles were done in broad daylight. They were complete. And they included things that were righteously administered in an immediate fashion – in this case, literal physical blindness but ONLY for a season.
We see a LOT of condemnation coming out of the mouths of believers today but very little – if any – ability to pronounce a verdict AND the punishment on the spot. This little detail shows that this time, recorded in the New Testament, was a very unique period in Christian history, one that certainly does NOT exist today. I mean, when was the last time you witnessed someone who considers themselves an apostle of Jesus making such a pronouncement AND executing the verdict “for a season?” We don’t see it because it is NOT part of the Body today.
Paul’s Pronouncement
What did Paul actually do though. Listen closely to his words: First, “the hand of the Lord is upon thee.” He spoke for the Lord (describing the condition of his heart), and then acted on behalf of God and showed that what he said would hold up – “God will punish you and blindness will come upon you for a season.” How long a time this blindness was to continue is not specified but we know that mercy was involved and the blindness was not to be permanent and final. And from this we also learn a few things.
According to Paul, who was speaking by the Holy Spirit, God was going to put His hand on the man and he would be blind. The action was to show, to illustrate, to prove to the sorcerer that God wanted Him to know the truth, wanted him to reflect and turn, and that this is perhaps always the reason God inflicts punishment. It’s purposeful, it is directly related to the crime at hand, and has limitations. In the mind of many men the story would be far more engaging if God had the man's eyes fall out and he spent the rest of his days groveling. But this is not the way of God. He seeks to redeem, to draw, to heal, and fix and release the lost.
God’s Mercy and Redemption
Because of this, there was in the early church a story told that this sorcerer became a Christian. Who said this? Early church person named Origin who quipped, regarding the tale: "Paul, by a word striking him blind, by anguish converted him to godliness." Once Paul spoke how long did it take for the man to stop seeing the sun? And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; A dark obscurity as night fell immediately upon him. And the result? “and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.” So many lessons here. So many insights.
First of all, notice that this magician went from touring with the governor of the Island of Cyprus to an infantile existence. Notice that darkness fell over his eyes, a just punishment as he sought to keep or bring people into darkness through his attempts. Notice that God pronounced this fate upon him for but a season – a period of time that would end.
We have a false notion taught today that all who die without knowing, or confessing Jesus will burn forever in literal flames for an eternity. How long will our loving father allow the recalcitrant to linger in after-life darkness? How long will the person scuba dive screaming in the lake of fire? I would suggest that in stories like this (in addition to the
Teachings of Jesus on Punishment and Repayment
Teachings of Jesus of being beaten with a few stripes and not getting out until they have paid the uttermost farthing indicate that such punishments are for a season, are perfectly meted out, that they match the crime to a T, but that they are all – everyone of them – once they have served their purpose, end.
Ending of Punishments
Let’s stop here.
