Topical Encyclopedia Sergius Paulus was a Roman proconsul of Cyprus during the first missionary journey of the Apostle Paul, as recorded in the Book of Acts. His encounter with Paul and Barnabas is a significant event in the early spread of Christianity and highlights the power of the Gospel to reach individuals in positions of authority.Biblical Account The account of Sergius Paulus is found in Acts 13:4-12. Paul and Barnabas, having been sent out by the Holy Spirit, traveled to Cyprus and proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They eventually reached Paphos, where they encountered Sergius Paulus, described as "an intelligent man" (Acts 13:7). Sergius Paulus summoned Paul and Barnabas because he desired to hear the word of God. However, they faced opposition from a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas. Elymas attempted to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronted Elymas, saying, "You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?" (Acts 13:10). Paul then pronounced a temporary blindness upon Elymas, which immediately came to pass. Witnessing this miraculous event, Sergius Paulus believed, being "astonished at the teaching about the Lord" (Acts 13:12). His conversion is notable as it marks one of the first recorded instances of a Roman official embracing the Christian faith. Historical and Cultural Context Sergius Paulus held the title of proconsul, indicating he was the governor of Cyprus, a senatorial province of the Roman Empire. The role of a proconsul was significant, as it involved both administrative and judicial authority. His position suggests that he was a man of considerable influence and education, which aligns with the biblical description of him as "an intelligent man." The conversion of Sergius Paulus is significant in the context of the early church's mission to the Gentiles. It demonstrates the reach of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community and into the heart of Roman political structures. This event also underscores the theme of spiritual warfare, as the power of God triumphs over the deceit and opposition of Elymas. Archaeological Evidence There is some archaeological evidence that supports the existence of Sergius Paulus. Inscriptions bearing the name "Paulus" have been discovered in Cyprus and other locations, suggesting the presence of a prominent family with that name. While direct evidence linking these inscriptions to the proconsul of Acts is not definitive, they provide a historical backdrop that corroborates the biblical narrative. Theological Significance The conversion of Sergius Paulus serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. It illustrates the fulfillment of God's promise to bring salvation to the Gentiles and highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering the early church's mission. The account also emphasizes the authority of the apostolic message, as demonstrated by the miraculous judgment upon Elymas. Sergius Paulus's account is a reminder of the diverse backgrounds from which God calls individuals to faith, and it encourages believers to boldly proclaim the Gospel, trusting in the Holy Spirit to overcome opposition and open hearts to the truth. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Sergius PaulusSERGIUS PAULUS sur'-ji-us po'-lus. Smith's Bible Dictionary Sergius Pauluswas the proconsul of Cyprus when the apostle Paul visited that island with Barnabas on his first missionary tour. (Acts 13:7) seq. (A.D. 44.) He is described as an intelligent man, truth-seeking, eager for information from all sources within his reach. Though at first admitting to his society Elymas the magician, he afterward, on becoming acquainted with the claims of the gospel, yielded his mind to the evidence of its truth. ATS Bible Dictionary Sergius PaulusProconsul or governor of the isle of Cyprus, was converted under the ministry of Paul, A. D. 48, Acts 13:7. Greek 3972. Paulos -- (Sergius) Paulus (a Roman proconsul), also Paul ... ... (Sergius) Paulus (a Roman proconsul), also Paul (an apostle). Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Paulos Phonetic Spelling: (pow'-los) Short ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3972.htm - 6k Library Acts XIII Heralds of the Gospel The Cripple at Lystra To the Regions Beyond The Acts of the Apostles. He Shows by the Example of victorinus that There is More Joy in ... Melito and the Circumstances which He Records. His Missionary Travels The Extension of the Church Throughout the World Professions of Some Kinds Allied to Idolatry. Of Astrology in ... Resources What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the occult? | GotQuestions.org What is monothelitism? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sergius Paulus: A Roman Deputy and Convert of Paul Related Terms |
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