Sergius is a name found in the King James Bible, appearing 1 time in the text.
Who This Was
Sergius Paulus was the Roman deputy of the country of Cyprus. In the King James Bible he is called “the deputy of the country,” a title for the Roman governor or proconsul of the island. He is described in Scripture as “a prudent man,” a phrase that commends his discernment and good judgment.
He appears in the narrative of Paul’s first missionary journey. While Barnabas and Saul were in Cyprus, they came to Paphos, where the deputy resided. Sergius Paulus called for Barnabas and Saul because he desired to hear the word of God. A certain sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-jesus, also called Elymas, was with the deputy and opposed them, seeking to turn the deputy away from the faith.
Despite this opposition, Sergius Paulus believed. The Scripture says he was “astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.” His belief came as he heard the word of God preached by Barnabas and Saul. The account presents him as a man who sought the truth, listened to the messengers of God, and responded with faith. He is mentioned only once by name in the King James Bible, yet his brief appearance marks a significant moment: a Roman official of rank and prudence receiving the gospel and believing, to the astonishment of his own heart.
The Name
“Sergius” is a Roman family name, and “Paulus” is a Roman cognomen meaning “small” or “little.” The name as a whole is Latin rather than Hebrew or Greek. While the meaning of “Paulus” as “small” is well established in Latin, the significance of the combined name “Sergius Paulus” as a personal designation is not given any interpretive weight in Scripture. The Bible does not comment on the meaning of his name, and no spiritual lesson is drawn from it in the text. It is enough to note that this was a Roman name borne by a Roman official.
A Closing Thought
Sergius Paulus stands as a quiet reminder that no heart is beyond the reach of the word of God. He was a man of rank and prudence, surrounded by contrary voices, yet he desired to hear the truth and believed when he heard it. His story encourages us that earnest seeking is not in vain. When the word of the Lord is faithfully proclaimed, even those whom the world counts wise and powerful may be astonished and brought to faith.
At a Glance
- Gender: Male
- Testament: New
- Mentions in the KJV: 1
Where It Appears in Scripture
- 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.