Sergius Paulus
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Sergius Paulus in the Bible?
Sergius Paulus served as the Roman proconsul of Cyprus during the first century and was converted to Christianity after witnessing the Apostle Paul blind the Jewish sorcerer Bar-Jesus.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Sergius Paulus as a high-ranking Roman official rather than a later persecutor like Nero clarifies the early political reception of Christianity, illustrating that the faith initially gained acceptance among elite Roman authorities in the eastern provinces.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Sergius Paulus reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sergius Paulus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sergius Paulus clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Sergius Paulus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sergius-paulus/