Acts 13  Saul, who now is known as Paul, and Barnabas are sent out as missionaries.  Wherever they go they "proclaim the Word of God."   Sergius Paulus, a proconsul on Cyprus, is one who sought to hear the word of God.  Standing in the way, trying to turn the proconsul "away from the faith"  was a magician, a false prophet, named Elymas or BarJesus.   Paul rebukes Elymas, calling him  a fraud, full of deceit, a son of the devil and an enemy of righteousness.  "..will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord?"  ( v10)  Paul tells him, and then proclaims that he will become blind... and it happens immediately.

The proconsul and magician.  These are illustrations of the 2 groups of people everywhere..... the one who seeks to hear the Word and the one who seeks to turn others away from the Word.  Satan has many sons these days as well as back then... many who use deceit and fraudulent words and actions in order to turn people away from the faith.

Paul and Barnabas head to Pisidian Antioch and go to the synagogue there on the Sabbath.  When they are asked to speak, Paul, gives a great sermon.  He begins with the exodus from Egypt, and uses many scriptures to show that Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy, the promise of God.  

"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses."  v 38-39

Again, many rejoiced at this message and " as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed." v48  But, some were " filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul and were blaspheming." v45.    Paul and Barnabas leave, shaking the dust from their feet against the unbelieving Jews, yet many disciples remain behind, "filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."  v52

Father in heaven, fill us again with Your Spirit, that we might also walk in Your ways and obey Your Word.  May we always be people who seek to hear Your voice, Your Word, that we may know the joy of Your salvation and the glory of Your Kingdom.  Father, stop those who would use deceit and fraud to keep others from following You completely.  Stop the evil one, Satan, and those who are his sons who try to keep people from faith.  Purify our hearts and cleanse us from all the lies that are trying to destroy Your church.  Let Your Truth be proclaimed, not only in our country, but around the world. Be exalted O Lord! We praise and worship You.  Amen.