Acts 13:7

an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.

Study Bible

who was with the proconsul
The term "proconsul" refers to a Roman official who governed a senatorial province. In the context of the Roman Empire, proconsuls were typically former consuls who had completed their term in Rome and were then appointed to govern a province. This highlights the political structure of the time and the influence Rome had over its territories. The presence of a proconsul in the narrative underscores the reach of the Gospel into the highest echelons of society, demonstrating that the message of Christ was not limited to the poor or marginalized but was also penetrating the corridors of power.

Sergius Paulus
Sergius Paulus is identified by name, which is significant in the historical context. The mention of a specific name suggests a real historical figure, lending credibility to the account. Archaeological evidence, such as inscriptions found in Cyprus, supports the existence of a proconsul named Sergius Paulus, providing a tangible connection between the biblical narrative and historical records. This serves to affirm the reliability of the Scriptures and the historical accuracy of the Acts of the Apostles.

an intelligent man
The description of Sergius Paulus as "an intelligent man" indicates his openness to new ideas and his capacity for discernment. In the Greek, the word used here is "sophos," which can denote wisdom or intelligence. This suggests that Sergius Paulus was not only educated but also wise in seeking truth. His intelligence led him to be curious about the teachings of Barnabas and Saul, showing that the Gospel appeals to both the heart and the mind.

The proconsul summoned Barnabas and Saul
The act of summoning Barnabas and Saul demonstrates the proconsul's authority and his genuine interest in their message. This is a pivotal moment, as it shows the proactive steps taken by a Roman official to engage with the Christian faith. The use of the word "summoned" implies a formal request, indicating the seriousness with which Sergius Paulus approached this inquiry. It also highlights the role of Barnabas and Saul as ambassadors of the Gospel, ready to present the message of Christ to anyone who seeks it.

because he wanted to hear the word of God
This phrase reveals the proconsul's motivation and spiritual hunger. The "word of God" refers to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, which Barnabas and Saul were proclaiming. The desire to "hear" suggests an openness and readiness to receive divine truth. In the broader scriptural context, hearing the word of God is often associated with faith and transformation (Romans 10:17). Sergius Paulus's desire to hear the word indicates a heart that is being drawn by the Holy Spirit, illustrating the universal call of the Gospel to all people, regardless of their status or background.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sergius Paulus
A Roman proconsul of Cyprus, described as an intelligent man. His role as a proconsul indicates he was a high-ranking official with administrative authority over the region.

2. Barnabas
A Jewish Christian from Cyprus, known for his role in the early church as an encourager and missionary. He was a companion of Saul (Paul) on missionary journeys.

3. Saul (Paul)
Originally a persecutor of Christians, Saul became a devoted apostle of Christ after his conversion. He is known for his missionary work and epistles in the New Testament.

4. Cyprus
An island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, significant in early Christian missionary activity. It was the first stop on Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey.

5. The Word of God
Refers to the message of the Gospel that Barnabas and Saul were preaching. Sergius Paulus's desire to hear it indicates an openness to spiritual truth.

Teaching Points

Openness to the Gospel
Sergius Paulus's desire to hear the word of God demonstrates the importance of being open to spiritual truths, regardless of one's status or intelligence.

The Role of Missionaries
Barnabas and Saul's mission to Cyprus underscores the call for Christians to spread the Gospel, even in places of political power.

Intellectual Curiosity and Faith
The description of Sergius Paulus as an intelligent man suggests that intellectual curiosity can lead to a deeper understanding of faith.

Divine Appointments
The encounter between Sergius Paulus and the missionaries illustrates how God orchestrates meetings for the purpose of spreading His word.

The Power of the Gospel
The proconsul's interest in the Gospel message highlights its power to reach and transform individuals from all walks of life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the example of Sergius Paulus challenge us to be open to hearing the word of God in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we, like Barnabas and Saul, be effective witnesses of the Gospel in our communities?

3. How does the intellectual curiosity of Sergius Paulus relate to the pursuit of wisdom in Proverbs?

4. What can we learn from the way God orchestrated the meeting between Sergius Paulus and the missionaries about His sovereignty in our own lives?

5. How does the power of the Gospel, as seen in this passage, encourage us to share our faith with others, regardless of their social or intellectual status?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 9
Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus, which marks the beginning of his transformation from persecutor to apostle.

Acts 11
Barnabas's role in the early church, including his encouragement of new believers and his partnership with Saul in teaching at Antioch.

Romans 10
The importance of hearing the word of God for faith to arise, which connects to Sergius Paulus's desire to hear the Gospel.

1 Corinthians 1
The wisdom of God versus the wisdom of the world, highlighting the intelligence of Sergius Paulus and his openness to divine wisdom.