📖 Biblical Definition
Sergius Paulus was the Roman proconsul of Cyprus during Paul's first missionary journey. A prudent man (Acts 13:7), he summoned Paul and Barnabas to hear the word of God. When Elymas the sorcerer opposed them and was struck blind, the proconsul believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. He is the first major Gentile convert recorded in Acts and the trigger for Paul's name change from Saul to Paul (Acts 13:9).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Roman proconsul of Cyprus; first significant Gentile convert of Paul's ministry (Acts 13:6-12).
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Acts 13:6-12 records his story. Cyprus inscriptions confirm a Sergius Paulus serving as proconsul in this period; some scholars identify him with the family of L. Sergius Paulus the curator of the banks of the Tiber under Claudius.
His conversion marks several firsts: first major Gentile convert, first Roman official to believe under Paul's ministry, occasion of Paul's name shift (from Saul to Paul, Acts 13:9 — possibly in honor of his patron). His belief opened the Gentile mission's legal and social doors.
📖 Key Scripture
Acts 13:7 — "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 13:9 — "Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him."
Acts 13:12 — "Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord."
Romans 1:16 — "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity often skips Sergius Paulus; his conversion is the threshold of the entire Gentile mission.
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Acts 13:12 says he believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. The Roman official, exposed to apostolic teaching with miraculous attestation, believed. The household's implication: the gospel goes through educated, powerful figures as well as the marginal — Paul went to him, taught him, and the Holy Spirit converted him.
His name appearing alongside Paul's name change is striking. Whether Paul took the Roman name Paul in honor of his first major convert or for his Gentile mission generally is debated; the timing in Acts 13 is suggestive.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Latin Roman name.
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Latin Sergius — ancient Roman gens name.
Latin Paulus — small; common Roman cognomen.
Usage
"First major Gentile convert of Paul's ministry."
"Believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord."
"Threshold of the entire Gentile mission."