Bible Figure
Sergius Paulus
proconsul of Cyprus under Claudius
Sergius Paulus was the Roman proconsul of Cyprus who summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. After witnessing the judgment pronounced on Elymas the magician, he believed and was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
Biography
During Barnabas and Saul's first missionary journey, Acts 13 says they traveled across Cyprus to Paphos, where they encountered the proconsul Sergius Paulus, described as an intelligent man. He summoned the missionaries because he wished to hear God's word. A Jewish magician and false prophet called Bar-Jesus or Elymas opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Saul, now also called Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit and announced temporary blindness upon Elymas. When the proconsul saw what happened, he believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord. This episode occurs at a major transition in Acts, where Saul begins to be called Paul and the mission increasingly focuses on Gentile audiences.
Biblical Significance
Sergius Paulus is the first named Roman provincial governor in Acts to respond positively to the Christian message. His conversion highlights the Gospel's movement into Gentile society and shows apostolic teaching prevailing over occult opposition.