Proconsul

PROCONSUL (prō'kŏn-sŭl, Gr. anthypatos). A Roman official, generally of praetorian or consular rank, who served as deputy consul in the Roman provinces. The term of office was one year, though it could be longer in special instances, but the powers of the proconsul were unlimited in both the military and civil areas. Sergius Paulus, Paul’s famous convert (Acts.13.7), and Gallio (Acts.18.12) were such officials mentioned in the Bible. They are often called “deputy” in the English Bible.

Under the Rom. system of provincial administration, the authority of a consul might be extended after the expiration of his term of office, usually to allow him to serve as the governor of a province. It was seldom that this duty was performed by a magistrate in office, esp. in the later Rom. republic. Under the emperors, the title was used generally to designate provincial governors regardless of whether they were ex-consuls or ex-praetors.

Acts mentions two proconsuls: Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:7) and Gallio (Acts 18:12).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

(anthupatos (Ac 13:7; 18:12); the King James Version deputy).

See Province.