In brief
Publius is the chief man of the island of Malta when Paul is shipwrecked there, on his way to Rome as a prisoner. He owns lands near the place of the shipwreck and courteously entertains Paul and his companions for three days. His father lies sick of fever and dysentery: Paul prays, lays his hands on him and heals him. The rest of the sick on the island then come and are cured.
What does the name Publius mean?
Publius is a Latin name, common among the Romans. The Bible does not explain its meaning. Luke presents him as the chief man of the island of Malta (Acts 28:7).
The story of Publius
Shipwrecked on Malta
Acts 28:1-2After the storm and the shipwreck, Paul and everyone on the ship are saved. They learn that the island is called Malta. The natives show them uncommon kindness: they kindle a fire and receive them all, because of the rain that is falling and because of the cold.
The viper on Paul's hand
Acts 28:3-6Paul gathers a bundle of sticks and lays it on the fire, and a viper fastens on his hand. The natives think he is a murderer whom Justice has not allowed to live. Paul shakes the creature off into the fire and suffers no harm. After they have watched a long time for him to swell up or fall dead, they change their minds and say he is a god.
Welcomed by Publius
Acts 28:7In the neighborhood are lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius. He receives Paul and his companions and courteously entertains them for three days. The account, told in the first person plural, keeps the memory of this generous hospitality toward shipwrecked travelers.
The father of Publius healed
Acts 28:8The father of Publius lies sick of fever and dysentery. Paul goes in to him. The text simply describes what he does: Paul “entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.” The host who welcomed the shipwrecked sees his father restored.
The sick of the island cured
Acts 28:9-11After this, the rest of the sick on the island come in their turn and are cured. They honor Paul and his companions with many honors, and when they sail they put on board whatever they need. After three months, they set sail in a ship of Alexandria that had wintered in the island.
What Publius teaches us
- Hospitality toward strangers in distress opens the door to God's blessing.
- In sickness, confident prayer remains the believer's first response.
- God can use a trial such as a shipwreck to bring his grace to an unexpected place.
- Good done to a single family can overflow to a whole population.
Key verses
Publius receives shipwrecked men, among them a prisoner, and entertains them for three days with courtesy. His generous welcome comes before the healing of his father.
Paul prays and lays his hands on the father of Publius, who is healed. Prayer comes first, and the healing comes from God, not from any power of the apostle's own.
Sermons about Publius
Frequently asked questions
Did Publius become a Christian?
The Bible does not say. It reports his generous welcome, the healing of his father and that of the other sick on the island (Acts 28:7-9), as well as the honors given to Paul and his companions. The text does not state Publius' response to the gospel, and it is better not to invent it.
What does “the chief man of the island” mean?
This is how Luke presents Publius (Acts 28:7). The expression indicates that he was the foremost man of Malta, which suggests significant authority on the island. The text does not specify his office further, but it mentions the lands belonging to him near the place of the shipwreck.
Where is the story of Publius in the Bible?
The story of Publius is found in the book of Acts, chapter 28, verses 7 to 10. It follows the account of the storm and shipwreck of Acts 27 and comes before Paul's arrival in Rome, where he stays two years proclaiming the Kingdom of God.