Act 13:7-12 | PNT | STEP | Was with the deputy . "Proconsul" in the Revised Version. The Roman provinces at this time were divided into senatorial and imperial. The senatorial were ruled by a proconsul. We learn from other sources that Cyprus at this time was a senatorial province ruled by a proconsul. Sergius Paulus . Nothing more is known of him than is here related. A prudent man . Hence he was anxious to hear Barnabas and Saul.

‏ Acts 13:7-12

Was with the deputy. "Proconsul" in the Revised Version. The Roman provinces at this time were divided into senatorial and imperial. The senatorial were ruled by a proconsul. We learn from other sources that Cyprus at this time was a senatorial province ruled by a proconsul.

Sergius Paulus. Nothing more is known of him than is here related.

A prudent man. Hence he was anxious to hear Barnabas and Saul. But Elymas. Another name of Bar-Jesus, meaning, "the wise man". He had probably assumed it.

Withstood them. As a Jew he was opposed, and his interests, too, were opposed. He did not wish to lose his hold on the proconsul. Hence he sought to prevent his acceptance of the faith. But Saul, (who also [is called] Paul). From this date he is the chief figure of the Acts. Barnabas, who had hitherto been the leader, falls behind. The origin of the name Paul is unknown. It is a Roman name, that of a great Roman family, and it is likely that the great apostle had two names, one Jewish, the other Gentile, a common thing anciently. Peter (Mt 16:16), Daniel (Da 1:7), Esther (Es 2:7), and many others afford examples.

Filled with the Holy Ghost. Acting under the impulse of the Holy Spirit. Child of the devil. Under his influence.

The right ways of the Lord. God's plan of salvation in Christ. The hand of the Lord [is] upon thee. In judgment.

Thou shalt be blind. He was fighting against the light. Hence physical blindness for a season.

A mist and a darkness. As though a cloud had gathered about him. Then the deputy . . . believed. The language implies that he became a Christian. The "believers" were those who accepted Christ.