astonished at the gospel

Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Acts 13:12

This verse describes an interesting first conversion for the first missionary journey. Paul and Barnabas are just beginning their missionary travels. They arrive on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Their first step was to visit the local Jewish synagogue in Salamis, and were then making their way through population centers across the island. Then in the city of Paphos they have their first big gospel conversation with a person of influence, the local proconsul, Sergius Paulus. But they also find sinister opposition from a Jewish false prophet and film-flam magician name Elymas.

Paul and Barnabas were speaking with Sergius Paulus at the direct invitation of the proconsul. He seems truly interested in the gospel and in hearing all about Jesus. But Elymas, who seems to have been some kind of religious advisor to Sergius, interferes, opposing the gospel and working against the efforts of Paul and Barnabas as they share Christ. Paul sees right into the wicked heart of Elymas. He publically calls Elymas out for his deception and pronounces him blind. And immediately the false prophet is led away unable to see. The persuasive power of God was at work.

A hindrance to faith was eliminated. The proconsul believed, not just because of the miraculous display of God’s power, but because of the powerful truth of the gospel. He was astonished, not at the instant blindness of Elymas or the boldness of Paul, but instead at the teaching of the Lord. It was the gospel that was the real amazement, as it always should be.

When we evangelize, God may do great things to prepare a heart to receive His truth. We can count on Him doing His part. But those things cannot become the focus. The gospel itself is always the wonder at the root of every believing heart.