Brief Overview of Σέργιος (Strong’s G4588: Sergios)

Strong’s G4588: A Latin name representing Sergius Paulus, a Roman proconsul of Cyprus who became a believer through Paul’s ministry. His conversion demonstrates the gospel’s reach to high-ranking Roman officials and represents an early example of Christianity’s impact on Roman leadership.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σέργιος appears in Acts 13:7 as part of the Roman name Sergius Paulus, identifying an intelligent proconsul who sought to hear God’s word. His conversion story illustrates how the gospel transcended social and political boundaries in the early church. Early church writers noted this conversion as evidence of Christianity’s appeal to educated Romans and its ability to reach the highest levels of society. Today, it reminds us that Christ’s message transforms lives regardless of social status or political power.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Σέργιος, Sergios, SAIR-gee-os
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on first syllable: ‘SAIR’ as in fair, ‘gee’ as in geese, ‘os’ as in dose
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Latin name “Sergius” transliterated into Greek
• Common Roman family name
• No Greek etymological components as it is a borrowed name

D – Defining Meanings

• Personal name “Sergius”
• Roman family name
• Part of the full name “Sergius Paulus”

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a transliterated proper noun

Translation Options:

• “Sergius” – Standard English transliteration
• “Sergios” – Direct Greek transliteration
• “Sergius Paulus” – Full historical name

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Παῦλος (Paulos, POW-los) – Paul See G3972
• Κορνήλιος (Kornēlios, kor-NAY-lee-os) – Cornelius See G2883
• Φῆστος (Phēstos, FACE-tos) – Festus See G5347

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular only (as a personal name)
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: 2nd

Examples:
Nominative: Σέργιος
Genitive: Σεργίου
Dative: Σεργίῳ
Accusative: Σέργιον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies Σέργιος as the Roman proconsul of Cyprus. Thayer’s notes his significance as an early convert. LSJ provides context for Roman names in Greek usage. Vine’s mentions his role in early Christian expansion. Strong’s connects him to Paul’s ministry. Moulton-Milligan documents similar Roman names in administrative papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“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.” Acts 13:7

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σέργιος represents how the gospel reaches and transforms people at all levels of society. His story demonstrates that intellectual capability and political power need not be barriers to faith but can be platforms for God’s glory. His conversion reminds us that Jesus calls all people, regardless of status, to submit to His lordship.

D – Did You Know?

1. Archaeological evidence has confirmed Sergius Paulus’s role as proconsul of Cyprus.
2. His conversion likely influenced the spread of Christianity among Roman officials.
3. Some scholars suggest Paul’s Roman name “Paulus” might be connected to this convert.

Strong’s G4588: A Latin name representing Sergius Paulus, a Roman proconsul of Cyprus who became a believer through Paul’s ministry. His conversion demonstrates the gospel’s reach to high-ranking Roman officials and represents an early example of Christianity’s impact on Roman leadership.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: Sergius Paulus, Roman officials, converts, Acts of the Apostles, Paul’s ministry, Cyprus, proconsul, Roman names, early church, political conversion, biblical characters, Roman administration​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​