Chief official of Malta who hosted Paul
Publius
Named in 2 verses of Acts, first in Acts 28:7.
ΠόπλιοςPublius
The name means “common.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Publius Written by AI
Publius was the chief official of the island of Malta, as mentioned in Acts 28:7 to 8. He is described as the "leading man of the island" (Acts 28:7), which suggests that he held a position of authority, possibly as a Roman official or a local leader. When Paul and his companions were shipwrecked on Malta, Publius welcomed them and hosted them for three days, showing generous hospitality. During their stay, Paul learned that Publius' father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul visited the father, prayed for him, and laid his hands on him, resulting in the father's healing (Acts 28:8). This event likely had a significant impact on Publius and the local population, as it demonstrated the power of the God that Paul served. The hospitality and kindness shown by Publius to Paul and his companions is a notable example of the welcome and support that the early Christians sometimes received from non-believers during their travels.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
“the chief man of the island” of Malta (Acts 28:7), who courteously entertained Paul and his shipwrecked companions for three days, till they found a more permanent place of residence; for they remained on the island for three months, till the stormy season had passed. The word here rendered “chief man” (protos) is supposed by some to be properly a Maltese term, the official title of the governor.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Acts 28:7
Nearby stood an estate belonging to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days.
- Acts 28:8
The father of Publius was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him, and after praying and placing his hands on him, he healed the man.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.