Question: What sorcerer was blinded by Paul?
Answer: Elymas. (Acts 13:8-11)
Comments: Paul encountered Elymas on his "first missionary journey" while in the city of Cyprus. Elymas ("wise" in Arabic) is also referred to as Bar-Jesus ("son of Jesus", then a common name). Elymas opposed Paul and Barnabas by attempting to dissuade the Roman proconsul of the island, Sergius Paulus, from becoming a believer.
Elymas is described as a μάγος (magos), which the King James Bible translates as "sorcerer". The word is used in five New Testament verses, three in reference to the magi/wisemen in Matthew's nativity (Matthew 2:1, 7, 16) and twice in deference to Elymas/Bar-Jesus (Acts 13:6, 8).
But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. (Acts 13:8, NASB)
Paul responded to Elymas by blinding him. The proconsul was converted soon after witnessing this miracle.
Note: This painting, "The Conversion of the Proconsul", was painted by Raphael Sanzio (1483-1520) in 1515-1516.
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