The cities and regions of the Roman Empire were administered in a variety of ways but Luke always records the correct names and titles of Roman officials. This is an example.
In the original, the word translated “deputy” is “proconsul”, showing that Cyprus was under the authority of the Senate in Rome, and secular history confirms this, revealing that the status of the island had recently changed from an imperial province whose governor would then have been a “propraetor”. Accusations of inaccuracy have in the past been levied at Luke’s record, but these false accusations have always been overturned when more information about the Roman Empire of those times has come to light. As we should expect, it is always the word of God, rather than the word of men, which is proved correct.
In Antioch in Pisidia Paul traced God’s dealings with Israel from the Exodus through to the coming of Christ and his death and resurrection, proving from the scriptures that the purpose of God is in Jesus, declaring: “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses”.
In the purpose of God it was necessary for the offer of life to be given first to the Jews as God’s own people, but their rejection of it opened up the way for all others Isaiah 49:6.Waiting for response for Isaiah 49:6 The great desire of all who believe the gospel is that many others too may hear God’s word and rejoice in the anticipation of eternal life at the appearing of the Prince of Life.
This was the typical reaction of the Jews in those days who resorted to inciting violence 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16Waiting for response for 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16
Paul's First Journey