Acts 13 7

Acts 13:7 kjv

Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

Acts 13:7 nkjv

who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.

Acts 13:7 niv

who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.

Acts 13:7 esv

He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.

Acts 13:7 nlt

He had attached himself to the governor, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent man. The governor invited Barnabas and Saul to visit him, for he wanted to hear the word of God.

Acts 13 verses

Acts 13 7 Meaning

Acts 13:7 describes the proconsul Sergius Paulus, a discerning Roman official, who, despite the presence of a sorcerer in his retinue, displayed an open heart and an earnest desire to hear the divine message presented by Barnabas and Saul. This verse highlights his initial receptiveness and sets the stage for a spiritual confrontation between divine truth and satanic deception, ultimately illustrating God's readiness to reach even high-ranking Gentile leaders with the Gospel.

Acts 13 7 Context

Acts chapter 13 marks a pivotal shift in the narrative, beginning Paul's first missionary journey. Sent out by the church in Antioch under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2-4), Barnabas and Saul (who is soon called Paul) first sail to Cyprus, Barnabas's home island. After preaching in synagogues in Salamis, they travel across the island to Paphos (Acts 13:5-6), the administrative capital. It is here that they encounter the Roman proconsul, Sergius Paulus, and the Jewish sorcerer, Bar-Jesus (Elymas). Verse 7 specifically details the proconsul's character and his remarkable request amidst the presence of a known practitioner of magic, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation that follows in the subsequent verses. This historical encounter is significant as it demonstrates the expansion of the Gospel from purely Jewish contexts to the Gentile world and the highest echelons of Roman society.

Acts 13 7 Word analysis

• who was with (ὅς ἦν σὺν): The "who" refers to Bar-Jesus (Elymas) from the preceding verse. This signifies that Elymas, a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet, had established a position of influence and companionship with the proconsul. His presence suggests a challenge to the apostolic message and represents the opposition from spiritual darkness seeking to control human authority.
• the proconsul (τῷ ἀνθυπάτῳ): (transliteration: tō anthypatō). This Greek term precisely indicates the ruler of a senatorial province. Cyprus had been returned to senatorial rule by Emperor Augustus in 22 BC. Luke's accuracy in using "proconsul" (rather than, say, "legate" for an imperial province) attests to his careful historical reporting and knowledge of Roman administrative structures. It denotes a high-ranking official, demonstrating the reach of the Gospel into significant political spheres.
• Sergius Paulus (Σεργίῳ Παύλῳ): A historically identifiable figure. His name is found in archaeological inscriptions, confirming Luke's historicity. His Roman citizenship and standing were considerable.
• an intelligent man (ἀνδρὶ συνετῷ): (transliteration: andri synetō). The Greek synetō implies wisdom, discernment, prudence, or understanding, beyond mere intellect. This description suggests Sergius Paulus possessed an open mind, capable of weighing arguments, distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit, and perhaps had an intellectual curiosity or even a spiritual longing that made him receptive to a new message. This quality is crucial as it positions him to critically evaluate the conflicting claims of the apostles and Elymas.
• This man summoned (οὗτος προσκαλεσάμενος): The initiative comes from the proconsul. He actively seeks out Barnabas and Saul. The verb προσκαλεσάμενος (proskalesamenos) means "having called to himself" or "sent for." It shows his determination and desire for an audience with them.
• Barnabas and Saul: The missionary duo, recognized by their ministry, were deemed worthy of an audience with such a high-ranking official.
• and sought (καὶ ἐπεζήτει): (transliteration: kai epezētei). The Greek verb ἐπεζήτει (epizētei) is an intensive form, meaning "he eagerly sought" or "desired to hear earnestly." It emphasizes a deep hunger or strong inclination rather than casual interest. This desire is the foundation of true spiritual receptiveness.
• to hear the word of God (τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ): (transliteration: ton logon tou Theou). This phrase refers to the message of the Gospel, the divine truth about Jesus Christ and God's plan of salvation, preached by the apostles. Sergius Paulus's desire was not merely for political advice or entertainment, but specifically for divine instruction, which contrasts sharply with the deceitful "words" of Bar-Jesus. This reflects an inner spiritual quest that recognizes something distinct and authoritative in the apostles' message.

Words-Group Analysis

• who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus: This group of words establishes the proconsul's proximity and apparent patronage of Elymas. It sets up the immediate conflict for the apostles – they must address not just the proconsul, but also the existing, powerful influence of the sorcerer over him. This is a common strategy of darkness to hinder the spread of light by influencing leaders.
• an intelligent man. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul: The emphasis on Sergius Paulus being "intelligent" provides the reason and means by which he would not be fully satisfied by or fall for mere magical trickery. His intelligence and discernment prompted him to investigate further, seeking out those who could provide genuine "word of God," indicating he was a seeker of truth, open to logical argument and divine revelation.
• and sought to hear the word of God: This phrase is central to the verse. It reveals Sergius Paulus's spiritual state: he wasn't just curious about the apostles as traveling teachers; he specifically wanted to understand the "word of God." This underscores a profound yearning for divine truth that made him a prime candidate for the Gospel, irrespective of his Roman position or current associate. His receptiveness foreshadows a divine work.

Acts 13 7 Bonus section

The historical validation of "Sergius Paulus" as the proconsul of Cyprus through independent Roman inscriptions (such as one found in Soli) reinforces Luke's meticulous historical accuracy as an author of Acts. This attention to detail lends credibility to the broader narrative of the early church's activities. The portrayal of a Roman official seeking "the word of God" challenges contemporary Jewish-Christian expectations, highlighting the burgeoning universal appeal of the Gospel and God's initiative in reaching across cultural and social divides, including to those who were typically seen as pagan rulers. The context here illustrates a powerful contrast: Elymas, a Jewish false prophet, trying to lead a Gentile away from the truth, while Jewish apostles are trying to bring the truth to the same Gentile. This dynamic subverts traditional notions and highlights the nature of spiritual conflict that transcends ethnic identity.

Acts 13 7 Commentary

Acts 13:7 is a profound depiction of spiritual collision points, divine sovereignty, and human receptivity. It introduces Sergius Paulus not as an antagonist but as an "intelligent man" whose discernment allowed him to perceive something authentic and authoritative in Barnabas and Saul, prompting him to "earnestly seek the word of God." This contrasts starkly with the spiritual darkness represented by Elymas, who was with him, seeking to obstruct access to truth. The fact that a high-ranking Roman official initiated contact demonstrates God's sovereign hand in opening doors for the Gospel to penetrate the highest echelons of Gentile society. His desire for the word of God signifies a deeper spiritual hunger that cannot be satisfied by worldly wisdom or false magic, and positions him as a recipient of divine revelation, ready to weigh the claims of truth against the lies surrounding him. It sets the stage for a dramatic showdown that ultimately proves the superiority of divine power over occult practices.

• Example: Similar to how an open-minded academic might investigate different philosophical claims, Sergius Paulus was discerning enough to go beyond surface appearances and seek deeper spiritual truth, demonstrating that intelligence, when coupled with an earnest search, can lead to the path of God.