Acts 14 18

Acts 14:18 kjv

And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

Acts 14:18 nkjv

And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.

Acts 14:18 niv

Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.

Acts 14:18 esv

Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.

Acts 14:18 nlt

But even with these words, Paul and Barnabas could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them.

Acts 14 verses

Acts 14 18 Meaning

Paul, asserting his apostleship, rebuked Elymas the sorcerer for attempting to turn the proconsul Sergius Paulus away from the faith, declaring that his actions prevented the truth from reaching Sergius.

Acts 14 18 Context

In Acts chapter 14, Paul and Barnabas are in Antioch of Pisidia. After encountering resistance from Jewish leaders, they turn to the Gentiles. In Lystra, as described in chapter 14, Paul heals a lame man, leading the crowds to believe they are gods. Subsequently, men from Antioch and Iconium incite the crowds against Paul and Barnabas. This specific verse occurs earlier in the chapter in Paphos, Cyprus, where they encounter Elymas the sorcerer. Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, a wise and discerning man, summons Barnabas and Saul to hear the word of God. Elymas, a sorcerer who stood in their way and sought to turn the deputy away from the faith, is the focus of this verse as Paul directly confronts him. The historical context involves the expansion of the early Christian church into Gentile territories and the opposition faced from both established religious authorities and pagan beliefs, often accompanied by magical practices.

Acts 14 18 Word analysis

• But: Connects to the previous actions or statements, indicating a contrast or continuation.

• Paul: Refers to Saul of Tarsus, who is now emerging as a prominent leader in the early church. His name change signifies a new phase in his ministry.

• calling: Present participle, signifying an action currently being done or initiated by Paul.

• his: Possessive pronoun referring to Paul.

• eyes: Indicates direct gaze and intense focus.

• on: Preposition indicating the target of Paul's attention.

• him: Pronoun referring to Elymas.

• and: Conjunction connecting two actions or clauses.

• said: Past tense verb indicating that Paul spoke.

• O: Exclamation used to express strong emotion or to address someone directly.

• full: Adjective describing being completely filled or abounding with something.

• of: Preposition indicating the source or possession.

• all: Determiner signifying totality or completeness.

• subtilty: Noun referring to cunning, craftiness, or deceitfulness. In Greek, panth-oulgia (παντοιουλγία) meaning "every kind of cunning or deception." This highlights a deliberate and pervasive nature of deception.

• and: Conjunction.

• all: Determiner.

• mischief: Noun referring to wickedness, villainy, or harmful intent. In Greek, poneria (πονnpία) meaning "evil, vice, malice, wickedness." This denotes an active engagement in harmful acts.

• thou: Pronoun referring to Elymas, used for direct address.

• child: Noun signifying offspring or someone heavily influenced by another.

• of: Preposition.

• the: Definite article.

• devil: Noun referring to Satan, the ultimate adversary of God and righteousness. In Greek, diabolos (διάβολος), meaning "slanderer" or "accuser." This identifies Elymas as operating under Satan's influence and mimicking his character.

• wilt: Modal verb expressing intention or future action.

• thou: Pronoun.

• not: Negation.

• cease: Verb meaning to stop or desist.

• to: Infinitive marker.

• pervert: Verb meaning to twist, distort, or turn away from what is right. In Greek, diastrephō (διαστρέφω) meaning "to twist thoroughly, to pervert, distort." This emphasizes the active corrupting of God's ways.

• the: Definite article.

• right: Adjective meaning correct, true, or just.

• ways: Noun meaning paths, methods, or principles.

• of: Preposition.

• the: Definite article.

• Lord: Noun referring to God or Jesus Christ. In Greek, Kyriou (Κυρίου), the genitive case of Kyrios (Κύριος), emphasizing divine authority and ownership over the "right ways."

• Phrase/Words Group Analysis:

  • "O full of all subtilty and all mischief": This is a powerful, rhetorical condemnation. Paul employs intensified language (panth-oulgia and poneria) to describe the depth and breadth of Elymas' corrupted character and actions.
  • "thou child of the devil": This is a direct accusation of spiritual parentage and allegiance. Elymas is portrayed not just as being influenced by the devil, but as actively embodying his nature and working for his purposes.
  • "wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?": This is a question that functions as a command and accusation. It highlights the active, ongoing nature of Elymas' opposition and attempts to sabotage God's work and the spread of truth. The phrase "right ways of the Lord" refers to God's path to salvation and spiritual truth as revealed in the gospel.

Acts 14 18 Bonus section

The Greek word for "subtilty" (παντοιουλγία - pantoioulgia) literally means "every kind of cunning" or "all manner of deceit." This speaks to a pervasive and multi-faceted approach to deception, suggesting Elymas was skilled and experienced in manipulating people and circumstances. The term "pervert" (διαστρέφω - diastrephō) implies actively twisting and corrupting, not just disagreeing with, the truth. It's akin to distorting a vital stream of water so it becomes toxic. This aggressive, malicious intent against the "right ways of the Lord" underscores the serious spiritual warfare involved in spreading the gospel, as seen throughout Paul's ministry and that of other apostles.

Acts 14 18 Commentary

Paul’s intense, direct confrontation with Elymas the sorcerer in this verse is a pivotal moment. It's not a gentle rebuke, but a searing condemnation delivered under the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s accusation, "O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness," is potent, likening Elymas’ deceptive practices to the very character and agenda of Satan himself. This demonstrates that spiritual opposition to God's truth is not merely intellectual disagreement, but a deeply personal and moral battle against evil forces. The purpose of Elymas' actions was to prevent Sergius Paulus from coming to faith, a direct assault on the spreading of the Gospel. Paul’s action of fixing his eyes on him and speaking these words signifies a deliberate move by the Holy Spirit to expose and overcome this spiritual impediment, leading to the proconsul's eventual salvation and demonstrating God's power over deceptive practices.