Confronting the false prophet

This message is a continuation of a study in Acts 13:1-13 begun Oct 1st, 2017.

II  CONFLICT WITH THE FALSE PROPHET.

The work progressed for a time. They are in a Gentile land and are specifically said to preach in the synagogues of the Jews. Paul’s policy is indicated v46. Eventually they came across Elymas the sorcerer.

1. A highly influential enemy, v7. He had the ear of the governor of the country. The influence of error and falsehood is seen in high places. He was regarded as a ‘wise man’/sorcerer. It was the wisdom/craft of the devil, v10 to lure men to destruction. He is marked as an enemy by Paul. Battle lines are drawn!
2. He resisted any interest in the gospel, v8. The governor’s heart was stirred to hear the word of God. Immediately Elymas was at work to stand against them. He opposed and resisted their ministry. His aim was to turn the deputy away from the faith. He did this, v10, by distorting the right ways of the Lord. This is apostasy at work and this is what marked him out as an enemy in Paul’s eyes. The criteria for defining an enemy in the work of the gospel are very simple. Anyone and anything that work contrary to faith in Christ and His gospel is to be treated as such.
3. Wherever such men are found they are to be contended with. It is a vital part of the gospel ministry to expose error. There may have been many arguments why such action should be avoided but Paul saw it as necessary and God honoured it. Cp Jude 3

III   VICTORY FOR THE GOSPEL.

What a triumph is recorded here! It was a breakthrough in their work and a watershed moment in Paul’s life. His name is changed to reflect it, v9.

1. Rebuke, v9. He rebuked the false prophet publicly in the power and authority of the Holy Ghost. Such authority is needed to take such action! God the Spirit is against such men and we must never be afraid to state it. Plainly the Apostle Paul exposes his true character, v10.
2. A plea. Paul calls upon him to abandon his wicked work
3. The hand of God, v11. To enforce Paul’s words the Lord is at work to strike the false prophet. He is temporarily blinded to demonstrate that he was spiritually blind and in no condition to given any man guidance on these great matters.
4. The deputy believes!, v12. This man responds to the doctrine of the Lord as it was confirmed by what he saw done. The salvation of this man was the spoil of victory over the false prophet. This is what is at stake in such conflict. Protest and opposition to such men is no light matter. The souls of sinners are on the line.
5. The victory was mingled with disappointment, v13. John Mark goes back and leaves the work. Cp 15:38. Perhaps he was discouraged by the controversy. Victory and setbacks often seem to go hand in hand in this life as if to remind us that the time has not yet come for the full triumph of the gospel in our own lives or in the world at large.