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.
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
Which
G3739
ὃς
Which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
3 of 20
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνθυπάτῳ
the deputy of the country
G446
ἀνθυπάτῳ
the deputy of the country
Strong's:
G446
Word #:
5 of 20
instead of the highest officer, i.e., (specially) a roman proconsul
Παύλῳ
Paulus
G3972
Παύλῳ
Paulus
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
7 of 20
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
συνετῷ
a prudent
G4908
συνετῷ
a prudent
Strong's:
G4908
Word #:
9 of 20
mentally put (or putting) together, i.e., sagacious
οὗτος
who
G3778
οὗτος
who
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
10 of 20
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
προσκαλεσάμενος
called
G4341
προσκαλεσάμενος
called
Strong's:
G4341
Word #:
11 of 20
to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite
Βαρναβᾶν
for Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾶν
for Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
12 of 20
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπεζήτησεν
and desired
G1934
ἐπεζήτησεν
and desired
Strong's:
G1934
Word #:
15 of 20
to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
18 of 20
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
Cross References
Acts 19:38Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.Acts 13:12Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.Acts 18:12And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,Proverbs 18:15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.Acts 13:8But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence confirms a Sergius Paulus family prominent in Roman Cyprus during this period (AD 45-48). Proconsuls governed senatorial provinces like Cyprus with significant autonomy. His 'prudence' likely involved investigating various philosophies and religions—common among educated Romans.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Sergius Paulus's intellectual integrity and spiritual seeking challenge the stereotype that intelligent people reject Christianity?
- What responsibility do Christian leaders have to engage with civic leaders and government officials, following Paul's example?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Sergius Paulus, a prudent man (ἀνδρὶ συνετῷ, andri synetō)—the Greek συνετῷ (synetō, 'intelligent, understanding') describes intellectual acumen and discernment. As Roman proconsul, Sergius Paulus governed Cyprus with authority, yet his wisdom led him to seek spiritual truth beyond official paganism. His calling for Barnabas and Saul demonstrates unusual humility for a Roman official.
Desired to hear the word of God (ἐπεζήτησεν ἀκοῦσαι τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ, epezētēsen akousai ton logon tou theou)—the compound verb ἐπεζήτησεν (epezētēsen, 'sought earnestly') indicates persistent inquiry, not casual curiosity. This Gentile ruler's spiritual hunger contrasts sharply with Jewish leaders' hardness throughout Acts. His conversion (v. 12) marks Paul's first recorded Gentile convert.