an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.
Parallel translations
- WEB who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul, and sought to hear the word of God.
- 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.
- 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.
- NASB who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.
- 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.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The sorcerer attends the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man who summons Barnabas and Saul to hear God's word. A high official seeks the truth.
Overview
Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul of Cyprus, is described as a man of understanding who genuinely desires to hear the gospel. His openness contrasts with the false prophet at his side. Luke's mention of this named official, attested in inscriptions, underscores the historical reliability of Acts and shows the gospel reaching the educated and powerful.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 11
- Acts 13:12When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
- Acts 19:38So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and proconsuls are available. Let them bring charges against one another there.
- Prov 18:15The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
- Acts 18:12While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat.
- Acts 13:8But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.
- Hos 14:9Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.
- 1 Th 5:21but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.
- Acts 17:11–12Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.
- Prov 14:8The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
- Prov 14:18The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
- Prov 14:15The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
How Acts 13:7 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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