On the island of Crete, Barnabas and Paul's east to west training-evangelistic tour was almost completed. In Paphos they met spiritual opposition from Bar-Jesus, known as Elymas 'the sorcerer'. He was the governor's servant. But, the more this occultist spoke badly about the trainee missionaries the more his master, Sergius Paulus, wanted to hear what they had to say about God (Acts 13:6-7).

Although the governor had asked Barnabas and Paul to tell him what they had been preaching, Elymas kept interrupting to divert Sergius Paulus away from the truth of the gospel. It was not his place or right to do so. Paul identified that Elymas was Satan's agent, and so spoke to him sternly with prophetic insight. Paul first described the occultist's heart, his relationship with the devil and with God's kingdom. The Holy Spirit had enabled Paul to discern the man's heart: the catalogue of evil is shocking. The occultist who had been proud of his evil powers was fully exposed in front of his boss.

As a demonstration of the Lord's superior power, Paul predicted that Elymas would go blind for a while: and he did, immediately. The effect on Sergius Paulus was decisive in bringing him to the Lord. He knew his servant's character only too well and it matched what Paul said - evidence that Paul was indeed bringing God's Word. It was confirmed by the fact that Paul's prediction of blindness was immediately fulfilled. Truth flooded the governor's mind and heart. He could see clearly that his servant had been leading him astray from truth, but Paul brought the truth because He knew the Truth (John 14:6)

Such evil opposition still exists today. Some people who are hungry for spiritual power allow Satan to use them: to distract and divert those who are eager to know the gospel and everything that is really true. They will try to subvert evangelism and gospel conversations. The Holy Spirit leads God's people to confront them with the truth about themselves and then allow the Lord to deal with them. Of course God still loves them and also wants them to be saved (2 Peter 3:9); but they must not be allowed to persist in blocking the gospel (Acts 16:16-18) – especially when unbelievers are hungry for truth.