The deputy being a man of repute and influence, the sorcerer Elymas, who was under the control of Satan, sought by false reports and various specious deceptions to turn him against the apostles and destroy their influence over him. As the magicians in Pharaoh’s court withstood Moses and Aaron, so did this sorcerer withstand the apostles. When the deputy sent for the apostles, that he might be instructed in the truth, Satan was on hand with his servant, seeking to thwart the purpose of God, and prevent this influential man from embracing the faith of Christ. This agent of Satan greatly hindered the work of the apostles. Thus does the fallen foe ever work in a special manner to prevent persons of influence, who could be of great service to the cause, from embracing the truth of God. {LP 44.3}

Statholderen var en velanset og indflydelsesrig mand, troldmanden Elimas, som var under Satans kontrol, forsøgte med falske efterretninger, og forskellige besnærende bedrag, at vende ham imod apostlene og ødelægge deres indflydelse over ham. Da troldmændene i Faraos hof modsatte sig Moses og Aron, på samme måde modsatte denne troldmand sig apostlene. Da statholderen sendte bud efter apostlene, for at han måtte blive introduceret i sandhed, var Satan ved sin tjeners hånd, og prøvede at forpurre Guds hensigter, og forhindre dette indflydelsesrige menneske fra at gribe Kristi tro. Denne Satans agent forhindrede apostlenes arbejde meget. Den faldne fjende arbejdet altid på en særligmåde for at forhindre indflydelsesrige personer, som kunne være til stor tjeneste for sagen, fra at gribe Guds sandhed.