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

The verse describes Sergius Paulus, a Roman proconsul, as being an intelligent and discerning man. It states that he summoned Barnabas and Saul, indicating a desire to hear the word of God personally. His act of seeking them out demonstrates his authority and his willingness to engage with the apostles' message, which was a significant moment in the early spread of Christianity.

Acts 13 7 Context

This verse is found in the account of Paul's first missionary journey. At this point, Paul and Barnabas have arrived in Paphos, on the island of Cyprus. The preceding verses describe their encounter with Elymas, a sorcerer who opposed them. Sergius Paulus, the proconsul of Cyprus, hearing of the apostles' work, specifically summoned them. The historical context is that Cyprus was a Roman province, and the proconsul held significant authority. Sergius Paulus's desire to hear the apostles reflects a growing interest in Christianity among some Roman officials, despite the religion being new and distinct from traditional Roman paganism. This event marks a pivotal moment where the gospel is presented to a high-ranking Gentile official.

Acts 13 7 Word Analysis

• Sergius (Σεργίου - Sergios): A Roman proper name, indicating his Gentile identity.
• Paulus (Παύλου - Paulou): Another Roman proper name, likely derived from the Roman gens (clan) of the gens Emilia. It is significant that Saul is often referred to by his Roman name, Paul, when interacting with Gentiles.
• Paulus (αὐτὸν - auton): "Him". Refers to Sergius Paulus.
• An (ἀνὴρ - anēr): "Man". Emphasizes Sergius Paulus as an individual.
• Andron (ἀνὴρ - anēr): This is a more emphatic term than just "man", often implying a man of quality, maturity, or influence. It conveys a sense of leadership and stature.
• Polun (πολύ - poly): "Much" or "great". Modifies the following attributes.
• Ton (τὸν - ton): The definite article, "the".
• Nun (νοῦν - noun): "Mind", "understanding", or "intellect". Refers to his capacity for thought and reason.
• Ecagon (ἔχοντα - echonta): "Having" or "possessing". Indicates that Sergius Paulus possessed these qualities.
• Apethalses (αἱρέσασθαι - hairesasthai): From the verb haireomai, meaning "to choose", "to select", or "to prefer". In this context, it signifies his deliberate decision to seek out Barnabas and Saul. It implies an active and intentional choice based on his understanding and judgment. This is not a passive reception of information.
• Apethalses (κλητὸν - klēton): "Called". Refers to Barnabas and Saul. The apostles are presented as divinely called individuals.
• Theou (Θεοῦ - Theou): "Of God". This establishes the divine origin of the calling of Barnabas and Saul, indicating their commission.
• Prontas (πρέσβεις - presbeis): This word translates to "ambassadors" or "envoy". It signifies the apostles are sent with a message from God, acting as God's representatives.
• To (τοῦ - tou): The genitive article.
• Logou (λόγου - logou): "Word" or "message". This refers to the Gospel message they preached.
• Euangelizeo (εὐαγγελίζεσθαι - euangelizesthai): "To preach the good news" or "to evangelize". The passive infinitive "to be evangelized" highlights that Sergius Paulus wanted to be brought into the message.
• Apostolos (απόστολος - apostolos): "Apostle". Refers to those sent forth.

Word Group Analysis:

• "Andron Polun Nun" (ἀνὴρ πολύς νοῦν): This phrase emphasizes Sergius Paulus's intellectual capacity and sagacity. He was not easily swayed or deceived, as the contrast with Elymas (the sorcerer in the previous verse) suggests. His mind was capable of serious thought and discernment regarding spiritual matters.
• "Echonta hairesasthai" (ἔχοντα αἱρέσασθαι): This combination highlights his active agency and intelligent decision-making. He possessed the capacity ("echonta") to choose ("hairesasthai") whom to listen to, and he chose the apostles based on his discernment.
• "Ton Theou logon" (τοῦ Θεοῦ λόγου): This collective phrase emphasizes that the "word" in question was not just any message, but specifically the "word of God". This frames the gospel as having a divine source and authority.
• "Euangelizesthai" (εὐαγγελίζεσθαι): The act of wanting to be evangelized signifies his open reception to the core message of Christianity. He wanted to be informed and possibly converted by the good news.

Acts 13 7 Bonus Section

The Greek word haireomai (to choose) can also carry a connotation of forming a sect or faction. In this context, it implies Sergius Paulus was forming his own understanding and judgment, distinguishing himself from the crowd by his desire to hear and evaluate the apostles’ message rather than blindly accepting or rejecting it, or being swayed by opposition like that of Elymas. His intelligence was employed not in argumentation initially, but in discerning where to seek out divine truth. The encounter with Sergius Paulus is a crucial demonstration of the Holy Spirit's work in preparing hearts and opening doors for the Gospel's proclamation to the Gentile world. His readiness to be evangelized demonstrates a spiritual openness that transcends his Roman status.

Acts 13 7 Commentary

Sergius Paulus, described as an intelligent man with good judgment, actively sought out Barnabas and Saul. This seeking out was not casual but a deliberate decision ("hairesasthai" – to choose for himself) to hear the "word of God" ("Theou logon"). This highlights his active pursuit of truth rather than passive reception. The proconsul's intellectual capacity is stressed, suggesting that genuine spiritual understanding requires a thoughtful mind, one capable of discernment. His position as a proconsul also underscores the societal reach of the Gospel's introduction, as it was presented to a man of authority. The desire to be evangelized indicates an openness to the core Christian message. His intelligence was directed towards understanding the divine message, distinguishing it from mere sorcery or human philosophy. This instance sets a precedent for the Gospel being presented to educated and influential Gentiles, demonstrating that it was intended for all, regardless of social standing or prior religious background. The apostles were recognized as God's called messengers, bearing the divine word, which Sergius Paulus sought to hear directly.