Elymas | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Elymas Struck Blind (La ceguera de Elymas) (Raphael, 1519) | |
| Occupation | Sorcerer |
Elymas (/ˈɛlɪməs/;Ancient Greek:Ἐλύμας;[1]c. 1st century AD), also known asBar-Jesus (Ancient Greek:Βαριησοῦς,[1]Imperial Aramaic:Bar-Shuma,Latin:Bariesu), is a figure described in theActs of the Apostles, chapter 13,[2] where he is referred to as amágos (μάγος), which theKing James Bible translates as "sorcerer" and false prophet (ψευδοπροφήτης).[1]
In Acts 13,Paul the Apostle andBarnabas travel to the city ofPaphos inCyprus, where the RomanProconsul,Sergius Paulus, wishes to hear them speak aboutJesus. Elymas, described as a false prophet and a sorcerer, opposes them, whereupon Paul (who is referred to for the first time by hisRoman name) announces thatGod intends to make Elymas temporarilyblind. A cloud of darkness immediately begins blocking his sight;[3] after this, Sergius Paulus is converted to Christianity.[4]
According toThe Golden Legend, Elymas later stirred up a riot of Jews and pagans in Salamina (Salamis) against Barnabas, resulting in his death.[5]
Acts 13:8 says, "Elymas themágos (for so his name is translated) opposed them". "Elymas" is possibly derived from the Arabic‘alīm "learned" or "wise", and may be used to translatemágos.[6]Bar-Jesus means "Son ofJoshua" or "Son of Jesus" inAramaic.
"Elymas the Sorcerer Struck with Blindness" is the title of a famouscartoon byRaphael, which served as the inspiration for woven tapestries in theVatican.[7]
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