John Calvin 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)

To turn away the deputy from the faith. It is no wonder if the seducer seeks to remove the light by which he saw his own darkness driven away.

We face the same contest today with a number of babblers, who are accustomed to peddle their deceptions and, by every possible trick, to shut the eyes of the simple, so that they cannot behold the Sun of Righteousness, who has now risen.

We must wrestle with such hindrances. For though magicians who cause us trouble are not always and everywhere present, Satan thrusts in enough hindrances that take hold of our minds to drive Christ away, hindrances that our flesh is all too ready to receive.

Finally, both the enticements of the world and the wicked desires of our flesh are like so many enchantments by which Satan does not cease to overthrow the faith.