Acts 13:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 13:10
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?
Chapter Context
Acts 13 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, creation, judgment. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-52: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 13:10
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?
Analysis
Paul confronted Elymas: '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?' Paul's severe rebuke exposed Elymas's character - full of deceit and wickedness, a spiritual son of Satan opposing God's purposes. The phrase 'child of the devil' contrasts with God's children, showing spiritual paternity through resemblance of character. Reformed theology recognizes spiritual warfare against those who oppose the gospel through deception. Paul's boldness in confronting evil demonstrates the Spirit's empowerment to expose and oppose darkness.
Historical Context
Elymas (Bar-Jesus) was a Jewish false prophet and sorcerer in the court of Sergius Paulus, Cyprus's proconsul. His opposition to Paul and Barnabas circa AD 47-48 represents Satan's resistance to the gospel reaching Gentile authorities. Paul's confrontation won the proconsul to faith (v.12).
Reflection
- How do we identify 'children of the devil' by their fruits and opposition to truth?
- What does perverting 'the right ways of the Lord' mean, and how do false teachers do this?
- When is bold confrontation of deception appropriate in ministry?
Word Studies
- Righteous: δίκαιος (Dikaios) G1343 - Righteous, just
Cross-References
- Evil: Matthew 13:38, John 8:44, 1 John 3:8
- Righteousness: Hosea 14:9
- Parallel theme: Matthew 3:7, 23:13, Luke 11:52, 2 Corinthians 11:3, Galatians 1:7