Lives of Scripture

Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul governing Cyprus, is described in Acts as "a man of intelligence" who summoned Barnabas and Saul to his court specifically because he wanted to hear the word of God (Acts 13:7). Present with him was a Jewish false prophet and sorcerer named Bar-Jesus, also called Elymas, who actively opposed the missionaries, "trying to turn the proconsul away from the faith" (13:8). Paul -- named here for the first time in Acts, notably in this same episode -- confronted Elymas directly, calling him a son of the devil and enemy of righteousness, and pronounced that the LORD's hand would strike him blind for a time (13:9-11). The judgment fell immediately: "mist and darkness fell upon him," and Elymas had to grope for someone to lead him by the hand. Watching this power encounter unfold, "the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord" (13:12). Sergius Paulus's conversion is Scripture's account of the gospel reaching directly into Roman colonial government, and his belief came not from argument alone but from seeing God's word vindicated against active spiritual opposition.