Who were Paul's strongest opponents as he traveled?
According to the context, the Jews were Paul's strongest opposition everywhere he traveled. They refused to have anything to do with his message of grace for the most part, though some did believe. They were the chief opposers of Paul's message of grace.
Les explains that Elimas the sorcerer is the perfect picture of the nation as a whole. Everywhere Paul went, his strongest opposition was the Jews. They refused to have anything to do with his message of grace for the most part, though some did believe. The Jewish people were the chief opposers of Paul's message of grace. Les compares this to Romans 11, noting that Israel was blinded only for a season, not permanently, and someday their spiritual eyes will be opened.