Lexical Summary Sergios: Sergius Original Word: Σέργιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sergius. Of Latin origin; Sergius, a Roman -- Sergius. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4588: ΣέργιοςΣέργιος, Σεργιου, ὁ, Sergius, surnamed Paulus, proconsul of Cyprus, converted to Christianity by the apostle Paul; otherwise unknown (cf. Lightfoot in Contemp. Rev. for 1878, p. 290; Farrar, St. Paul, vol. i., Excurs. xvi.; Reman, Saint Paul, p. 14f): Acts 13:7. Topical Lexicon Identity and Civic Role Sergius Paulus was the Roman proconsul (ἀνθύπατος) governing the senatorial province of Cyprus during the first century. As proconsul he represented the authority of the Roman Senate, residing at Paphos, the western capital of the island. His Latin praenomen and nomen, Sergius Paulus, place him within the distinguished gens Sergia, a family with members attested in both Asia Minor and Italy. Biblical Narrative Acts 13:6-12 records the only canonical appearance of Sergius Paulus. When Barnabas and Saul reached Paphos, “the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God” (Acts 13:7). Elymas the sorcerer opposed the missionaries, but Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, pronounced temporary blindness upon him. “When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, astonished at the teaching about the Lord” (Acts 13:12). The scene demonstrates the triumph of apostolic preaching over occult deception and presents Sergius Paulus as a Gentile official who embraces the gospel. Historical Corroboration Luke’s title for Sergius Paulus has been repeatedly confirmed by archaeology: While absolute identification cannot be proven, both finds sit comfortably within the chronology of Acts 13 and underscore Luke’s reliability concerning provincial administration. Connection to the Apostle Paul’s Name Immediately after the encounter, Acts transitions from “Saul” to “Paul” (Acts 13:9). Many commentators see deliberate literary juxtaposition: upon winning a Roman governor named Paulus, the apostle permanently adopts his own Roman cognomen, Paulos. Whether symbolic or purely practical, the shift highlights Paul’s calling as “apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13). Theological Significance 1. Gospel Penetration into Roman Leadership Sergius Paulus stands as the first recorded Roman provincial ruler to believe. His faith signals the gospel’s reach beyond Judaism and commoners into imperial circles, prefiguring later conversions in the Praetorian Guard (Philippians 1:13) and Caesar’s household (Philippians 4:22). The defeat of Elymas underscores that the kingdom of God confronts demonic counterfeit with Spirit-empowered authority (cf. Luke 10:17-19). The miracle functions apologetically, confirming the message and authenticating the messengers. Luke notes that Sergius Paulus was “an intelligent man,” showing that intellectual curiosity and rational inquiry are harmonized, not hindered, by faith (cf. Isaiah 1:18). Lessons for Mission and Discipleship • Strategic Engagement: Barnabas and Paul did not avoid positions of power; they sought a hearing with those who could influence entire regions. Related Passages for Study Acts 13:4-12; Romans 11:13; Romans 13:1-7; Philippians 1:12-14; Philippians 4:22; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29. Forms and Transliterations Σεργιω Σεργίῳ σεύτλιον Sergio Sergiō Sergíoi SergíōiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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