The Roman proconsul of Cyprus was described as... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

The proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man, called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God... But Elymas, the sorcerer, withstood them.
Acts 13:7.8.

The Roman proconsul of Cyprus was described as "intelligent". Alongside his duties he was also interested in questions of eternal significance. So he summoned Barnabas and Saul, who were preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the entire island. He wanted to hear it first hand. He then recognised that two messengers from the living God were standing before him, preaching His Word. Even today sensible people show an interest in God and His Word..

But there was resistance at once. A well-known sorcerer attempted to restrain Sergius from receiving the Christian faith. This often happens nowadays, too. As soon as someone becomes attentive to the message of God's grace, he meets with resistance. Counter arguments are brought by friends or members of the family, who endeavour to shield them from Jesus Christ and His redeeming grace and liberating power.

With Elymas the reason for his resistance was clear: he was a sorcerer under the power of Satan and his demons. Faith in almighty God and any connection with evil powers are contradictory and incompatible.

Satan is the origin of all resistance against God. But God's might is greater than that of the devil. That became obvious when Saul struck the sorcerer with blindness through God's power. The proconsul, impressed by the Christian message and the power of God, turned to the Lord Jesus and received the faith.

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 16:23-43 · Psalms 89:11-19