The answer is: Elymas

Acts 13:8-12

In Acts 13, the apostle Paul and his companions encounter a spiritual battle like no other in the city of Paphos. This is the moment when Elymas, a sorcerer and self-proclaimed false prophet, attempts to derail the ministry of Barnabas and Paul. This incident magnifies the power of the Word of God, demonstrating that truth can often provoke opposition.

Elymas, who is also known as Bar-Jesus, is not just a quirky character; he represents resistance to divine truth. After trying to turn the proconsul Sergius Paulus away from the message being preached, Paul calls upon the power of God. In a striking turn of events, Elymas is struck blind, which not only serves as a dramatic sign but is also laden with symbolism—it illustrates the spiritual blindness that often accompanies hard-heartedness towards the truth.

The moment is rich in irony: a self-claimed seer who brings darkness upon himself, at a crucial point smirking at the Christian faith. Think about this: It’s acute that such theologically-loaded moments often have far-reaching narratives in the telling. Sergius Paulus, who likely represented sensible authority in the world, watched in astonishment and ultimately believed, partly due to the incredible spectacle, but also the genuinely expressed spiritual truth pulling him towards faith.

This demonstrates that the path of faith may not be a calm one, as opposition may arise, yet through God's providence, hearts can still be turned, often in the most unexpected ways. In other words, beware the blind paths within the walk of leadership—they can come from unanticipated corners!