General Information:

Here the word "he" refers to Sergius Paulus, the proconsul.

associated with

"was often with" or "was often in the company of"

This was a governor in charge of a Roman province. Alternate translation: "governor"

This is background information about Sergius Paulus. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background)

The phrase "this man" refers to Sergius Paulus.

"he wanted to hear the word of God"