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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 13:9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/13-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/44_Act_13_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 13:9 - On Cyprus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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He looked straight at Elymas <a href="/erv/acts/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Ghost, fastened his eyes on him, <a href="/gwt/acts/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit. He stared at Elymas <a href="/gnt/acts/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then Saul--also known as Paul--was filled with the Holy Spirit; he looked straight at the magician <a href="/isv/acts/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked him straight in the eye <a href="/msb/acts/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas <a href="/net/acts/13.htm">NET Bible</a> But Saul (also known as Paul), filled with the Holy Spirit, stared straight at him <a href="/nheb/acts/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him, <a href="/wbt/acts/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then Saul (who also is called Paul) filled with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him, <a href="/wey/acts/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then Saul, who is also called Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and, fixing his eyes on Elymas, <a href="/web/acts/13.htm">World English Bible</a> But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Saul—who also [is] Paul—having been filled with the Holy Spirit, and having looked steadfastly on him, <a href="/blb/acts/13.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And Saul, the one also called Paul, having been filled the Holy Spirit, having looked intently upon him, <a href="/ylt/acts/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Saul -- who also is Paul -- having been filled with the Holy Spirit, and having looked stedfastly on him, <a href="/slt/acts/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Saul, (also Paul,) filled with the Holy Spirit, and looking intently upon him, said,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then Saul, otherwise Paul, filled with the Holy Ghost, looking upon him, <a href="/cpdv/acts/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Saul, who is also called Paul, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him, <a href="/nabre/acts/13.htm">New American Bible</a> But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the holy Spirit, looked intently at him <a href="/nrsvce/acts/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Saul, who is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked at him, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/13.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But Shaul, who was called Paulus, was filled with The Spirit of Holiness, and he stared at him.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/13.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Then Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, and looking earnestly upon him, <a href="/godbey/acts/13.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And Saul, (who is also Paul), being filled with the Holy Ghost, fixing his eyes on him, <a href="/haweis/acts/13.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then Saul (now Paul), filled with the Holy Ghost, and fixing his eyes upon him, <a href="/mace/acts/13.htm">Mace New Testament</a> then Saul, who was nam'd likewise Paul, full of the holy spirit, look'd fixedly upon him, <a href="/wey/acts/13.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then Saul, who is also called Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and, fixing his eyes on Elymas, <a href="/worrell/acts/13.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looking intently upon him, <a href="/worsley/acts/13.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Then Saul, who also is called Paul, being filled with the holy Spirit, and looking earnestly at him, <a href="/parallel/acts/13-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=4139" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/13.htm">On Cyprus</a> …8But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/4569.htm" title="4569: Saulos (N-NMS) -- Saul, the apostle. Of Hebrew origin, the same as Saoul; Saulus, the Jewish name of Paul.">Saul,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who was</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">also called</a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulos (N-NMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul,</a> <a href="/greek/4130.htm" title="4130: plēstheis (V-APP-NMS) -- To fill, fulfill, complete. A prolonged form of a primary pleo to fill (imbue, influence, supply); specially, to fulfil.">filled with</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: Hagiou (Adj-GNS) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">the Holy</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneumatos (N-GNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">Spirit,</a> <a href="/greek/816.htm" title="816: atenisas (V-APA-NMS) -- To direct my gaze, look steadily. From a compound of a and teino; to gaze intently.">looked directly</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">at</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Elymas</a> 10and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/9-17.htm">Acts 9:17</a> So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” <a href="/acts/22-13.htm">Acts 22:13</a> came and stood beside me. ‘Brother Saul,’ he said, ‘receive your sight.’ And at that moment I could see him. <a href="/acts/26-14.htm">Acts 26:14-15</a> We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ / ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. <a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Galatians 1:15-16</a> But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased / to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood, <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Philippians 3:5</a> circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; <a href="/1_samuel/10-9.htm">1 Samuel 10:9</a> As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all the signs came to pass that day. <a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13</a> So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a> Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! <a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1</a> Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God— <a href="/romans/11-1.htm">Romans 11:1</a> I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">1 Corinthians 15:9-10</a> For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. / But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. <a href="/2_timothy/1-11.htm">2 Timothy 1:11</a> to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher. <a href="/ephesians/3-8.htm">Ephesians 3:8</a> Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, <a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21</a> Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?” <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Isaiah 42:1</a> “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.who.<a href="/acts/13-7.htm">Acts 13:7</a> 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.filled.<a href="/acts/2-4.htm">Acts 2:4</a> And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.<a href="/acts/4-8.htm">Acts 4:8,31</a> Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, … <a href="/acts/7-55.htm">Acts 7:55</a> But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,set.<a href="/mark/3-5.htm">Mark 3:5</a> And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.<a href="/luke/20-17.htm">Luke 20:17</a> And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/13-8.htm">Elymas</a> <a href="/acts/11-6.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/acts/11-6.htm">Fastened</a> <a href="/acts/12-16.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/acts/12-21.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/acts/11-6.htm">Fixing</a> <a href="/acts/12-16.htm">Full</a> <a href="/acts/11-6.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/acts/13-4.htm">Ghost</a> <a href="/acts/13-4.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/acts/11-6.htm">Intently</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-15.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/13-7.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/acts/13-4.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/acts/11-6.htm">Stedfastly</a> <a href="/acts/12-23.htm">Straight</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/13-8.htm">Elymas</a> <a href="/acts/14-9.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/acts/16-24.htm">Fastened</a> <a href="/acts/13-45.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/acts/14-9.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/acts/23-1.htm">Fixing</a> <a href="/acts/13-10.htm">Full</a> <a href="/acts/14-9.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/acts/13-52.htm">Ghost</a> <a href="/acts/13-34.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/acts/23-1.htm">Intently</a> <a href="/acts/13-13.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/13-21.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/acts/13-52.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/acts/14-9.htm">Stedfastly</a> <a href="/acts/13-10.htm">Straight</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 13</div>1. <a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Paul and Barnabas are chosen to go to the Gentiles.</a> 6. <a href="/acts/13-6.htm">Of Sergius Paulus, and Elymas the sorcerer.</a> 13. <a href="/acts/13-13.htm">Paul preaches at Antioch that Jesus is Christ.</a> 42. <a href="/acts/13-42.htm">The Gentiles believe;</a> 44. <a href="/acts/13-44.htm">but the Jews talked abusively against Paul, </a> 46. <a href="/acts/13-46.htm">whereupon they turn to the Gentiles, of whom many believe.</a> 50. <a href="/acts/13-50.htm">The Jews raise a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, who go to Iconium.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Saul, who was also called Paul This phrase marks a significant transition in the narrative of Acts. Saul, a Hebrew name, was his original name, reflecting his Jewish heritage and Pharisaic background (<a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Philippians 3:5</a>). The name Paul, a Roman name, signifies his mission to the Gentiles (<a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a>). This dual naming highlights the apostle's role in bridging Jewish and Gentile communities, fulfilling the prophecy of being a light to the Gentiles (<a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a>). The use of both names underscores the universality of the Gospel message.filled with the Holy Spirit The phrase indicates divine empowerment and guidance. The Holy Spirit's filling is a recurring theme in Acts, signifying God's presence and authority in the apostles' ministry (<a href="/acts/2-4.htm">Acts 2:4, 4</a>:31). This filling equips Paul for the confrontation with Elymas, demonstrating the Spirit's role in empowering believers to overcome opposition and perform God's work. It reflects the promise of Jesus that the Spirit would guide and empower His followers (<a href="/john/14-26.htm">John 14:26</a>, <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a>).looked directly at Elymas This action signifies boldness and authority. Elymas, also known as Bar-Jesus, was a sorcerer and false prophet opposing the Gospel (<a href="/acts/13-6.htm">Acts 13:6-8</a>). Paul's direct gaze indicates a confrontation with evil, reminiscent of Jesus' authority over demonic forces (<a href="/mark/1-25.htm">Mark 1:25-27</a>). This moment highlights the spiritual battle between truth and deception, with Paul, empowered by the Holy Spirit, confronting the forces of darkness. It serves as a reminder of the believer's call to stand firm against spiritual opposition (<a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12-13</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul/paul.htm">Saul/Paul</a> Originally known as Saul, he was a Pharisee and a persecutor of Christians before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. After his conversion, he became known as Paul, a leading apostle to the Gentiles. 2. <a href="/topical/h/holy_spirit.htm">Holy Spirit</a> The third person of the Trinity, who empowers, guides, and fills believers for the work of ministry. In this passage, the Holy Spirit empowers Paul to confront Elymas the sorcerer. 3. <a href="/topical/e/elymas_the_sorcerer.htm">Elymas the Sorcerer</a> A false prophet and magician who opposed Paul and Barnabas, trying to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 4. <a href="/topical/p/proconsul_sergius_paulus.htm">Proconsul Sergius Paulus</a> A Roman official who was interested in hearing the word of God from Paul and Barnabas. 5. <a href="/topical/c/cyprus.htm">Cyprus</a> An island in the Mediterranean Sea where Paul and Barnabas were preaching the gospel during their first missionary journey.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/e/empowerment_by_the_holy_spirit.htm">Empowerment by the Holy Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit empowers believers to confront opposition and speak truth boldly. Just as Paul was filled with the Spirit, we too must rely on the Spirit's power in our daily lives and ministries. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> Saul's transformation into Paul signifies a new identity in Christ. As believers, we are given a new identity and purpose, which should be reflected in our actions and attitudes. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_ministry.htm">Discernment in Ministry</a> Paul’s ability to discern Elymas’ intentions was crucial. We must seek discernment from the Holy Spirit to recognize and address spiritual opposition in our lives and ministries. <a href="/topical/c/courage_to_confront.htm">Courage to Confront</a> Paul’s boldness in confronting Elymas teaches us the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when faced with opposition or deception. <a href="/topical/m/mission_to_the_gentiles.htm">Mission to the Gentiles</a> Paul's mission to the Gentiles underscores the inclusivity of the gospel. We are called to share the gospel with all people, regardless of their background or status.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 13</a> <a href="/q/why_is_saul_called_'paul'_in_acts_13_9.htm">Acts 13:9: Why does Saul suddenly become “Paul” in the narrative with no recorded explanation or formal name change? </a> <a href="/q/who_was_the_gentiles'_apostle.htm">Who was the Gentiles' apostle?</a> <a href="/q/paul's_missionary_journeys.htm">What were Apostle Paul's missionary journeys?</a> <a href="/q/does_'levi'_vs_'matthew'_show_inconsistency.htm">Mark 2:14 – Given the uncertainty around “Levi” and “Matthew,” could this naming discrepancy indicate a historical or textual inconsistency? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) Then Saul, (who also is called Paul).--It is impossible not to connect the mention, and probably the assumption, of the new name with the conversion of the proconsul. It presented many advantages. (1) It was sufficiently like his own name in sound to fall within the general practice which turned Jesus into Jason, Hillel into Pollio, Silas into Silvanus. (2) It was a Roman, not a Greek, name, and as such fell in with the ultimate work of the Apostle, already, it may be, contemplated in thought (comp. <a href="/romans/15-23.htm" title="But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you;">Romans 15:23</a>), of bearing his witness to Christ in the imperial city. (3) It formed a link between him and the illustrious convert whom he had just made. He was, as it were, claiming a brotherhood with him. From this point of view, it is interesting to compare the name of Lucas or Lucanus, as borne both by the evangelist and the poet. (Comp. Introduction to St. Luke, Vol. I., p. 237.) Other reasons that have been assigned, as (1) that the Greek word Saulos had an opprobrious meaning, as = wanton, or (2) that the meaning of Paulus, as = little, commended itself to the Apostle's humility, may be dismissed as more or less fantastic.Filled with the Holy Ghost.--The tense of the Greek participle, implies a sudden access of spiritual power, showing itself at once in insight into character, righteous indignation, and prevision of the divine chastisement.Set his eyes on him.--The word is that already so often noted, as in <a href="/acts/1-10.htm" title="And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;">Acts 1:10</a>, and elsewhere. As applied to St. Paul it may possibly connect itself with the defect of vision which remained as the after-consequence of the brightness seen on the way to Damascus. The Greek word, however, it is right to add, may just as well express the fixed gaze of men of strong powers of sight, as that of those who suffer from some infirmity. (See <a href="/acts/1-10.htm" title="And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;">Acts 1:10</a>; <a href="/acts/3-4.htm" title="And Peter, fastening his eyes on him with John, said, Look on us.">Acts 3:4</a>; <a href="/luke/4-20.htm" title="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.">Luke 4:20</a>; <a href="/luke/22-56.htm" title="But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked on him, and said, This man was also with him.">Luke 22:56</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - But for then, A.V.; is also for also is, A.V.; fastened for set, A.V. (above, Acts ill 4, note). Who is also called Paul. The explanation of Jerome, Augustine, Bede, and many modern commentators, as Meyer, Olshausen, etc., and not rejected by Renan, is that Saul took the name of Paul on the occasion of this remarkable and important conversion of Sergius Paulus. Saul's future intercourse with Gentiles made it desirable that, after the common custom of the Jews of his day - as seen in Peter, Stephen, Mark, Lucius, Jason, Crispus, Justus, Niger, Aquila, Priscilla, Drusilla etc. - he should have a Gentile name, and so, in honor of his illustrious convert, or in memory of his conversion, or at the special request of Sergius Paulus (Baronius), he took the name of Paul, which in sound was not unlike his Hebrew name. The fact of this change of name being recorded by St. Luke at this precise moment makes this the most simple and natural explanation. Compare Gideon's change of name to Jerubbaal (<a href="/judges/6-32.htm">Judges 6:32</a>; <a href="/judges/7-1.htm">Judges 7:1</a>; <a href="/judges/8-29.htm">Judges 8:29, 35</a>). Alford, on the ether hand, thinks it strange that any one should make such a mistake as Jerome's, and says that "this notice marks the transition from the former part of his history" - "gathered from the narratives of others" - to "the joint memoirs of himself and St. Paul." But this gives no account of the coincidence of the two Pauls, nor is it true that the latter half of the Acts begins here. It began at ver. 1, and the name of Saul has been retained three times in the early part of this chapter. Farrar speaks of this explanation as, long and deservedly abandoned," and as having in it an element of vulgarity. Howson thinks that Paul had long been his Roman name, but that the conversion of Sergius Paulus, as it were, stereotyped the Roman name as that by which the apostle was henceforth to be known. The idea of Augustine and others, that he took the name of Paul (paulus, small) from humility, to indicate that he was "the least" of the apostles, is fanciful. Neither is Chrysostom's assertion, that he changed his name at his ordination or consecration, borne out by the facts. Renan ('Saint Paul,' 1:19) notes that "Paul" was a very common name in Cilicia. No certainty can be arrived at in the matter. <a href="/commentaries/acts/13-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then δέ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. Saul, Σαῦλος (Saulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4569.htm">Strong's 4569: </a> Saul, the apostle. Of Hebrew origin, the same as Saoul; Saulus, the Jewish name of Paul. who [was] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. also [called] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Paul, Παῦλος (Paulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. filled with πλησθεὶς (plēstheis) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4130.htm">Strong's 4130: </a> To fill, fulfill, complete. A prolonged form of a primary pleo to 'fill' (imbue, influence, supply); specially, to fulfil. [the] Holy Ἁγίου (Hagiou) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. Spirit, Πνεύματος (Pneumatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. looked directly ἀτενίσας (atenisas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_816.htm">Strong's 816: </a> To direct my gaze, look steadily. From a compound of a and teino; to gaze intently. at εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. Elymas αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/13-9.htm">Acts 13:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/13-9.htm">Acts 13:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/13-9.htm">Acts 13:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/13-9.htm">Acts 13:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/13-9.htm">Acts 13:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/13-9.htm">Acts 13:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/13-9.htm">Acts 13:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/13-9.htm">Acts 13:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/13-9.htm">Acts 13:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/13-9.htm">Acts 13:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/13-9.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 13:9 But Saul who is also called Paul (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/13-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 13:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 13:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/13-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 13:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 13:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>