Note 4 at Acts 13:9: This is the first time in scripture that Saul was called Paul. The name Saul was Hebrew and meant "asked for." Paul was a Roman name meaning "little." It is possible that this name was descriptive of Paul's physical stature (2 Cor. 10:10). Since Paul was a Roman name and it was not used of Saul until he began his ministry to the Gentiles, it is possible that he chose to use the name to have the Gentiles more readily accept him (1 Cor. 9:19-23).

Note 5 at Acts 13:9: Special mention is made of Saul being filled with the Holy Ghost when he executed this judgment on Elymas. This leaves no doubt that this was done at the Lord's leading and not just the temper of Paul manifesting. However, it is rare that we see the Lord executing judgment on people in the New Testament. Jesus even rebuked his disciples for wanting to call fire down from heaven, as Elijah had done under the Old Covenant (see note 2 at Lk. 9:55, p. 304).

Just as in the case of Herod being eaten with worms (see note 4 at Acts 12:23, p. 646), God's wrath and judgment do still exist, but it is not released against His own children (see note 5 at Acts 5:5, p. 595). And there are very few examples of the Lord releasing His wrath on unbelievers. This punishment of Elymas and God's judgment upon Herod are the classic New Testament examples.

In these rare cases where judgment is appropriate, it would be best to let God handle it directly as He did with Herod (Acts 12:23) or someone who is a mature Christian, as the apostle Paul was, who is full of the Holy Ghost and only acting at the Lord's direction.

Note 6 at Acts 13:9: Just as in Acts 3:4 where Peter "fastened his eyes upon him" and in Acts 14:9 where Paul "steadfastly" beheld a man (see note 2 at Acts 3:4, p.584), likewise there is significance in Paul setting his eyes on Elymas. In the first two instances, Peter and Paul perceived faith (Acts 14:9). In this instance Paul perceived that Elymas was a "child of the devil" and an "enemy of all righteousness." Before we can minister grace or judgment to anyone we need to know that person's heart. This is what Paul was perceiving through the power of the Holy Ghost as he "set his eyes on him."