How long was Elymas blind in Acts 13?
Elymas was blinded only for a season—a short period of time, not permanently. The context states he was not stricken blind for the rest of his life, but temporarily. Scripture indicates his blindness was limited, not forever, serving as a picture of Israel’s temporary blindness.
Les explains that Elimas the sorcerer was not stricken blind for all the rest of his life, but only for a season—a short period of time. He uses this as a perfect picture of the nation of Israel as a whole. Everywhere Paul went, his strongest opposition came from the Jews, who for the most part refused his message of grace. Just as Elimas was temporarily blinded, Israel has been blinded, but it is not a permanent blindness; it is temporary, although it has lasted 1,900 and some years. One day, the spiritual eyes of Israel will be opened. Les connects this to Romans 11:7, where Israel has not obtained what he sought, but the election has obtained it.
And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
More Questions
How long was Elymas the sorcerer blind and was it physical blindness?
The blindness that fell on Elymas was physical—he could not see the sun—and it was only for a season, a protracted period of time, not for the rest of his life.
Was Elimas' blindness permanent?
Elimas the sorcerer was not stricken blind for the rest of his life, but only for a season, that is, a short period of time.
How long was Elymas blinded?
Elymas was struck with physical blindness, unable to see the sun, not for the rest of his life but for a season, a protracted period of time, not for his whole lifetime.