Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 13:8

"But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith." — Acts 13:8 (ASV)

But Elymas the sorcerer, for so is his name by interpretation. Elymas the magician. Elymas is the interpretation, not of the name Bar-Jesus, but of the word rendered the sorcerer. It is an Arabic word and means the same as magus. It seems that he was better known by this foreign name than by his own.

Withstood them. Resisted them. He was aware that if the influence of Saul and Barnabas should be extended over the proconsul, he would be seen to be an impostor, and his power would be at an end. His interest, therefore, led him to oppose the gospel. His own popularity was at stake; and being governed by this, he opposed the gospel of God. The love of popularity and power, the desire of retaining some political influence, is often a strong reason why people oppose the gospel.

To turn away the deputy from the faith. To prevent the influence of the truth on his mind; or to prevent his becoming the friend and patron of the Christians.