Sergius Paulus
Gentile Roman; deputy (proconsul) of the country at Paphos in Cyprus · Early Church · New Testament
- Also called
- the deputy
- Role
- Roman proconsul of Cyprus who believed
- When
- c. AD 46-47
What they did
A prudent man who desired to hear the word of God from Barnabas and Saul; when the sorcerer Elymas opposed them and was struck blind, the deputy believed, astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
He was the first recorded convert of Paul's first missionary journey, a high Roman official won to Christ as the gospel went to the Gentiles.
Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. Acts 13:12 (KJV)
Bible references
And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus: Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. Acts 13:6-7 (KJV)
But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Acts 13:8 (KJV)
Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. Acts 13:12 (KJV)
Family
Scripture records little about this person's family.