Acts 13 12

Acts 13:12 kjv

Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

Acts 13:12 nkjv

Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Acts 13:12 niv

When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

Acts 13:12 esv

Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Acts 13:12 nlt

When the governor saw what had happened, he became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.

Acts 13 verses

Acts 13 12 Meaning

Acts 13:12 records the profound conversion of Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul of Cyprus. Having witnessed Paul's divine judgment upon Elymas the magician, causing blindness, and perceiving the undeniable power accompanying the apostle's message, the proconsul placed his faith in the Lord. His belief was a direct response to the powerful display of God's authority over evil, coupled with the profound and astonishing truth communicated through "the teaching of the Lord." This event marked a significant victory for the burgeoning Christian mission, extending the gospel's reach into the highest echelons of Roman society.

Acts 13 12 Context

Acts chapter 13 marks the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey, where Barnabas and Saul (Paul) are set apart by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2-4) and sent forth. Their journey takes them first to the island of Cyprus. In Paphos, they encounter Sergius Paulus, a Roman proconsul described as an "intelligent man" (Acts 13:7) who was eager to hear the word of God. However, he was influenced by Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas, a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet, who actively sought to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, directly confronts Elymas, rebuking him for perverting the ways of the Lord and declaring that he would be temporarily struck blind. This divine judgment immediately manifested (Acts 13:10-11). It is against this backdrop of direct spiritual warfare, culminating in a public and undeniable miracle, that Acts 13:12 records Sergius Paulus's response of belief and astonishment. This historical setting showcases the power of God over all opposing forces, paving the way for the gospel's expansion into Gentile, high-status contexts.

Acts 13 12 Word analysis

• Then (Τότε - tote): A transitional particle, linking the proconsul's reaction directly to the immediately preceding event of Elymas's blindness. It signifies a consequential action.
• when the proconsul (ὁ ἀνθύπατος - ho anthypatos): "Anthypatos" specifically refers to the governor of a senatorial province, accurate for Cyprus during this period. This detail confirms the historical reliability of Luke's account. Sergius Paulus held a powerful administrative position, making his conversion highly significant.
• saw (ἰδὼν - idōn): From the verb horaō, meaning "to see, perceive, understand." This implies more than mere observation; it signifies comprehension of the true nature and implication of what had occurred, particularly the divine intervention.
• what was done (τὸ γεγονὸς - to gegonos): Refers to the completed act, the physical blindness of Elymas, which was the direct result of Paul's Spirit-inspired pronouncement. It was an unmistakable and immediate miracle.
• he believed (ἐπίστευσεν - episteusen): From pisteuō, indicating a decision of faith, trust, and commitment. This is not just intellectual assent but a genuine embracing of the message and its sender. Sergius Paulus put his faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
• being astonished (ἐκπλησσόμενος - ekplessomenos): From ekplēssō, meaning "to be struck out of one's senses, astounded, utterly amazed." It conveys an overwhelming emotional response, indicating deep awe and wonder at the manifestation of God's power and the revelation of truth.
• at the teaching (ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ - epi tē didachē): "Didachē" means doctrine, instruction, or the act of teaching. This refers to the core message of the gospel – the teachings about Jesus Christ, His life, death, resurrection, and the implications for salvation. The miracle served to validate and give authority to this spoken word.
• of the Lord (τοῦ Κυρίου - tou Kyriou): Identifies the source and content of the teaching as originating from and pertaining to Jesus Christ, affirmed as divine authority ("Kyrios"). It's the teaching that points to Him and His Lordship.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then when the proconsul saw what was done, he believed": This sequence highlights the catalyst for belief. Witnessing the palpable divine power (the blinding of Elymas) was crucial. It wasn't abstract theology alone but divinely attested truth. His intelligent mind required tangible proof against deceptive magic.
• "being astonished at the teaching of the Lord": This phrase clarifies that his belief wasn't merely due to shock from the miracle. The miracle served to authenticate the "teaching of the Lord," making its message profoundly impactful and irrefutably true in his perception, leading to awe-inspired faith. The teaching itself, not just the sign, was the object of his astonishment and belief.

Acts 13 12 Bonus section

The conversion of Sergius Paulus carries significant strategic importance for early Christian missions.

• High-Level Access: As a Roman proconsul, his conversion granted the fledgling church a measure of credibility and potentially a degree of protection within Roman provincial administration, even if unofficial. His household and staff would also likely be exposed to the Christian message.
• Cultural Bridge: This conversion was a testament to the gospel's ability to transcend cultural and social barriers. It demonstrated that even highly educated, politically powerful Roman citizens, often immersed in pagan religions and philosophies, were open to the truth of Christ.
• Polemical Victory: This episode functions as a clear polemic against the prevalence of magic, sorcery, and pagan deities within the Roman world. By dramatically overcoming Elymas's spiritual deception with the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul definitively established the superiority of the God of the Bible. The temporary physical blindness served to illustrate the spiritual blindness Elymas fostered.

Acts 13 12 Commentary

Acts 13:12 marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian mission, representing the first conversion of a high-ranking Roman official. Sergius Paulus's belief underscores that the gospel is for all people, irrespective of social standing or previous spiritual allegiances. The event powerfully demonstrates that God's authority utterly trumps any worldly power, whether political (like the proconsul's) or supernatural (like Elymas's sorcery). The miracle of blindness inflicted upon Elymas was not an end in itself but served as a divinely sanctioned sign that broke through spiritual resistance, clearing the way for the truth to be perceived. The proconsul was an "intelligent man" (Acts 13:7) and therefore, likely astute enough to distinguish genuine power from mere trickery. His "astonishment" at the "teaching of the Lord," rather than just the miracle, indicates that he recognized the truth behind the power. It was the full gospel message, validated by an unmistakable act of God, that led him to faith. This moment validates Paul's apostleship, confirms the message he proclaimed, and sets a precedent for the church's expansion into Gentile society. It illustrates the dual-action of the Spirit – powerful deeds authenticating the preached word.