Acts 13:12
Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 13
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἰδὼν
when he saw
G1492
ἰδὼν
when he saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνθύπατος
the deputy
G446
ἀνθύπατος
the deputy
Strong's:
G446
Word #:
4 of 13
instead of the highest officer, i.e., (specially) a roman proconsul
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γεγονὸς
what was done
G1096
γεγονὸς
what was done
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
6 of 13
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἐπίστευσεν
believed
G4100
ἐπίστευσεν
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
7 of 13
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ἐπὶ
at
G1909
ἐπὶ
at
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Historical Context
This marks the first recorded conversion of a Roman official and signals the gospel's penetration of imperial governance. Sergius Paulus's conversion (c. AD 46-47) occurred during the early expansion phase when Christianity was still viewed as a Jewish sect. His prominent conversion would have encouraged other Roman officials to investigate Christianity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Sergius Paulus's response—faith based on teaching authenticated by power—provide a biblical model for signs and wonders in evangelism?
- What does it mean that he was 'astonished at the doctrine' rather than merely the miracle?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The deputy, when he saw what was done, believed (ὁ ἀνθύπατος ἰδὼν τὸ γεγονὸς ἐπίστευσεν, ho anthypatos idōn to gegonos episteusen)—Sergius Paulus's faith followed seeing Elymas struck blind (vv. 9-11), yet Luke distinguishes his conversion from mere amazement at the miracle. The aorist ἐπίστευσεν (episteusen) indicates decisive faith-commitment, not superficial belief. His conversion establishes a pattern: confronting occult power with divine authority opens hearts to the gospel.
Being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord (ἐκπλησσόμενος ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ τοῦ κυρίου, ekplēssomenos epi tē didachē tou kyriou)—the present participle ἐκπλησσόμενος (ekplēssomenos, 'being astounded') emphasizes ongoing amazement at τῇ διδαχῇ (tē didachē, 'the teaching'). Sergius Paulus believed because of gospel teaching, not merely the miracle. Divine power authenticated the message but didn't replace it.