{With the proconsul Sergius Paulus} (sun t(9369) anthupat(9369)
Sergi(9369) Paul(9369)). Luke used to be sharply criticized for applying
this term to Sergius Paulus on the ground that Cyprus was a
province under the appointment of the emperor with the title of
propraetor and not under the control of the senate with the title
of proconsul. That was true B.C. 30, but five years later it was
changed to proconsul by Augustus and put under the control of the
Senate. Two inscriptions have been found with the date A.D. 51
and 52 with the names of proconsuls of Cyprus and one is in the
Cesnola Collection, an inscription found at Soli with the name of
Paulus as Proconsul, undoubtedly this very man, though no date
occurs. {A man of understanding} (andri sunet(9369)). All the more
amazing that he should be a victim of Barjesus. He had given up
idolatry at any rate and was eager to hear Barnabas and Saul.