And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

ACTS 13:6KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 13:6 (KJV)

What does Acts 13:6 mean?

Acts 13:6 describes how Paul and his companions traveled across the island of Cyprus until they reached the city of Paphos, where they encountered a man described as a sorcerer, a false prophet, and a Jew named Barjesus. This verse sets the stage for a significant encounter that will challenge the message Paul and Barnabas are bringing.

In the story, Luke is narrating the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas as they move through Cyprus. The verse introduces Barjesus, highlighting that he is both Jewish and involved in sorcery, which would have been seen as unusual and deceptive by both Jews and early Christians. The mention of Paphos, a city known for its pagan practices, hints that Paul and Barnabas are about to face spiritual opposition as they share their message.

The Greek behind Acts 13:6

  • The word for "sorcerer" is μάγος (magos), which often referred to someone who practiced magic or claimed secret knowledge, not just a stage magician but someone involved in occult or supernatural practices. This term would have carried a negative connotation for Luke’s audience.
  • The word for "false prophet" is ψευδοπροφήτης (pseudoprophētēs), meaning someone who claims to speak for God but does not. This highlights that Barjesus was misleading people spiritually, not just practicing magic.
  • The name "Barjesus" (Βαριησοῦς, Bariesous) means "son of Jesus" or "son of Joshua," which is ironic given his actions, as the name itself would have been respected among Jews.

Why Acts 13:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that opposition to the gospel can come from unexpected sources, including those who appear religious or claim spiritual authority.
  • By introducing Barjesus as both a Jew and a sorcerer, the verse highlights the blending of religious backgrounds and practices that early missionaries encountered.
  • The setting in Paphos, a city associated with pagan worship, prepares the reader for the spiritual confrontation that follows and shows the challenges faced by the early church in spreading its message.

Where else these words appear

“Paphos” Greek G3974 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

“sorcerer” Greek G3097 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

“isle” Greek G3520 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 27:26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
  • Acts 28:7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
  • Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

“prophet” Greek G5578 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
  • Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
  • 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.