Passion or Politics

Acts 13:8 KJV

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

When a Christian seeks to be a witness he can expect that Satan will have someone nearby to withstand him and to seek to turn those we have witnessed to from the faith.

• From time to time it has happened that, as I have been out witnessing, someone has spotted me and followed in an attempt to harass me and distract those I hope to speak to
• Once in a while there will be Jehovah Witnesses or Mormons in the same neighborhood who, though likely did not come to intentionally withstand me, still seek to turn those I have witnessed to from the faith and
• More often there someone who, after I have gone comes and seeks to turn them from the faith.

Paul's reaction is a justified anger. He rebukes the sorcerer with his eyes before a word is said. His countenance is obviously against Elymas.

Some people say that it is always wrong to be angry. There are more than ample Scriptures to prove that is not so. Some would say we had better not react angrily unless we can strike a man blind like Paul did. I don't see it that way. The apostles were given many spiritual gifts that no longer are in action for the sake of proving their message was of God. I do not need to strike a person blind today. I only need to open my Bible.

To allow wicked men to do their evil work without passionately rebuking them is to deny the ministry God has given us. It reminds me of the political parties whose members can debate their opposing points and then laugh about their disagreements. In one case a married couple each works for the opposing party and though politically they do battle every day on their job, they claim to be able to come home and put all of that aside for their love toward each other. It proves that their party opinions have no real importance to them. They are mere jobs.

That is just not true with the gospel. Our message is the difference between heaven and hell. If we can't get passionately angry over those who would keep souls from the truth then we don't really believe this message.