“When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord” (Acts 13:12).

Paul and Barnabas began their missionary journey on the island of Cyprus. Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul, called for them because he wanted to know more about the Lord. Elymas, a sorcerer, was attempting to interfere with their message when Paul stopped him with temporary blindness. It was an astonishing miracle.

This verse follows that miracle. What strikes me is that the proconsul saw what happened to Elymas but was amazed at the teaching about the Lord. He saw the miracle but believed because he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

Miracles can certainly get our attention but what produces faith is the teaching about the Lord. The miracle simply cleared the way for the teaching. It was the teaching that was amazing and produced the faith.

The teaching about Jesus is what produces faith in everyone who believes. It is our knowledge of who Jesus is and what He did for us that awakens our consciences to trust Him. He is and always has been the focus of our faith. Explaining Him is the best way to reach anyone’s heart.