A.T. Robertson 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)

Withstood them (ανθιστατο αυτοις). Imperfect middle of ανθιστημ, to stand against (face to face). Dative case (αυτοις). He persisted in his opposition and was unwilling to lose his great prize. There may have been a public discussion between Elymas and Saul.

To turn aside (διαστρεψα). First aorist active infinitive of διαστρεφω, old verb to turn or twist in two, to distort, to pervert (cf. Matthew 17:17; Luke 23:2).