But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse subtly highlights that "Saul" was "also called Paul," marking a significant shift. This isn't just a name change; it signifies Paul's transition from operating primarily among Jews to embracing his apostolic mission to the Gentiles, adopting a name more fitting for the broader world he was called to reach.
But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Paul and Barnabas preach in Cyprus, they encounter a sorcerer named Elymas who actively tries to prevent the Roman proconsul, Sergius Paulus, from believing the gospel. The Holy Spirit then powerfully empowers Saul, marking the first time he is called Paul, to confront Elymas directly. Paul, filled with the Spirit, fixes his gaze on the sorcerer, demonstrating a decisive shift in leadership as he takes the lead in challenging the opposition.
Ever feel like you can just tell when something's off? The Bible shows us this isn't just a feeling, but a powerful gift from God.
This verse highlights a pivotal moment where Saul, now identified as Paul, operates with supernatural insight. The text says he was "filled with the Holy Spirit," which directly enabled him to "look intently" at Elymas the sorcerer.
God's Insight, Not Just Human Judgment
This wasn't just Paul being a good judge of character. Being "filled with the Holy Spirit" signifies a powerful, empowering presence. This filling gave him an immediate, divine understanding of Elymas's true nature—deceitful and wicked. It's this spiritual empowerment that allows him to see past the sorcerer's facade and recognize him as an 'enemy of all righteousness.'
A Direct Response to Deception
The Holy Spirit's filling equips believers not just for quiet contemplation, but for bold action and discernment in the face of opposition. When Paul "looked intently," he wasn't just observing; he was preparing to confront the deception that Elymas was spreading.
Why the name change? This moment marks more than just an alias; it signifies a profound shift in identity and purpose for the apostle.
The transition from Saul to Paul, explicitly mentioned here for the first time in Acts, is deeply significant. While scholars debate the exact reason for the name change (whether adopted from the proconsul, a nod to his Roman citizenship, or a reflection of his humility), the timing in this passage is crucial.
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A Gentile Name for Gentile Work
As Paul is stepping into his role as the apostle to the Gentiles, the shift to a Roman name like Paul is symbolic. It aligns with his mission to reach non-Jewish people, a mission that would involve navigating Roman culture and engaging with people of various backgrounds.
A Public Declaration of Purpose
This moment, where Saul is filled with the Spirit and confronts Elymas, marks a turning point. It's as if the new name, Paul, signifies his full embrace of the mission God has for him. From this point forward, he is consistently known by this name, signifying his public dedication to bringing the gospel to the wider world, starting with Sergius Paulus.
Understand the original words
pneuma hagion · Greek Noun
The Third Person of the Trinity, who indwells believers, empowering them for ministry, guiding them into truth, and granting spiritual boldness.
The renaming of Saul to Paul here is deeply tied to this specific encounter, signifying his new public role and spiritual authority among the Gentiles as he confronts opposition and brings a Roman official to faith.
c. AD 46-48— this verse
First Missionary Journey Begins
Barnabas and Saul, commissioned by the Holy Spirit, depart from Antioch for their first major evangelistic mission, starting with Cyprus.
c. AD 47
Encounter in Paphos
On Cyprus, Saul and Barnabas encounter Bar-Jesus (Elymas), a Jewish sorcerer who opposes them and attempts to turn the Roman proconsul away from the faith.
c. AD 47
Proconsul Sergius Paulus Converted
Saul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts Elymas with divine judgment, causing the sorcerer to become blind, leading the proconsul to believe.
c. AD 47
Saul Becomes Paul
This event marks the first recorded use of the name Paul for Saul, signifying his shift in ministry emphasis towards the Gentiles.
c. AD 48
Return to Antioch
Saul and Barnabas complete their mission in Cyprus and Asia Minor, returning to Antioch in Syria to report to the church.
This passage highlights that God sees beyond outward appearances, just as Paul, filled with the Spirit, looked intently at Elymas to discern his true, wicked nature, unlike the governor who was deceived by outward wisdom.
Jeremiah 1:17Just as God empowered Jeremiah to speak His word boldly, the Holy Spirit filled Paul to confront Elymas with righteous judgment, demonstrating divine authority.
John 1:47Jesus recognized Nathanael's true character, seeing him as 'truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit,' mirroring how Paul, empowered by the Spirit, saw through Elymas's deception.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5Paul's spiritual authority, demonstrated by his discerning gaze and words in Acts 13, reflects his later teaching on the power of God that demolishes arguments and takes every thought captive.
Galatians 5:22-23The self-control and discernment Paul displayed while filled with the Spirit align with the fruit of the Spirit, showing how divine empowerment can lead to righteous judgment and action.
bensonActs 13:9: "Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,"
Acts 13:9-11 . Then Saul, who also is called Paul — Moved by an immediate inspiration of the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him — Looked steadfastly on that impostor, and said, with just indignation, O full of all subtlety — Παντος δολου , of all guile, as a false prophet; and all mischief — As a magician; thou child of the devil — A title well suited to a magician; and one who not only was himself…
clarkeActs 13:9: "Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,"
Saul, who also is - Paul - This is the first time the name Paul occurs, and the last time in which this apostle is called Saul, as his common or general name. Saul, שאול Shaul, was the name of the first Israelitish king, and signifies asked, sought; from שאל shaal, he asked, inquired, etc. Paul, Paulus, if derived from the Latin, signifies little, dwarfish: but if from the Hebrew, פלא pala, it…
The verse subtly highlights that "Saul" was "also called Paul," marking a significant shift. This isn't just a name change; it signifies Paul's transition from operating primarily among Jews to embracing his apostolic mission to the Gentiles, adopting a name more fitting for the broader world he was called to reach.
As Paul and Barnabas preach in Cyprus, they encounter a sorcerer named Elymas who actively tries to prevent the Roman proconsul, Sergius Paulus, from believing the gospel. The Holy Spirit then powerfully empowers Saul, marking the first time he is called Paul, to confront Elymas directly. Paul, filled with the Spirit, fixes his gaze on the sorcerer, demonstrating a decisive shift in leadership as he takes the lead in challenging the opposition.
As Paul and Barnabas preach in Cyprus, they encounter a sorcerer named Elymas who actively tries to prevent the Roman proconsul, Sergius Paulus, from believing the gospel. The Holy Spirit then powerfully empowers Saul, marking the first time he is called Paul, to confront Elymas directly. Paul, filled with the Spirit, fixes his gaze on the sorcerer, demonstrating a decisive shift in leadership as he takes the lead in challenging the opposition.
"But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him" — The verse subtly highlights that "Saul" was "also called Paul," marking a significant shift. This isn't just a name change; it signifies Paul's transition from operating primarily among Jews to embra…
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Last reviewed October 2026