Publius
Publius served as the chief official of Malta when the apostle Paul and other survivors of a violent shipwreck washed ashore during Paul's transport to Rome as a prisoner. He extended generous hospitality by lodging the group in his home for three days and providing for their needs. When Publius's father became gravely ill with fever and dysentery, Paul prayed over him and laid hands on him, resulting in an immediate healing that also opened the door for many other sick islanders to be cured. This episode in Acts 28 illustrates God's sustaining care for Paul amid hardship and the continued exercise of apostolic gifts to advance the gospel even in remote and unexpected settings.
Biography
- Occupation
- Chief Official of Malta
- Era
- New Testament (c. AD 60)
- Nationality
- Roman
Did You Know?
Publius's Greek title 'protos tes nesou' (first man of the island) is corroborated by multiple Maltese inscriptions from the Roman period that use the same term for the island's chief administrative official, confirming Luke's precise local knowledge rather than a generic description.
The healing of Publius's father from fever and dysentery is the only miracle Luke records during the three-month Maltese stay, after which the rest of the island's sick came to Paul, indicating the event functioned as a catalyst for broader ministry.
Archaeological and medical historians note that the described symptoms match brucellosis (later called Malta fever), an endemic disease on the island transmitted through unpasteurized goat's milk, suggesting Luke reported a historically attested condition rather than a generic illness.
Although Publius hosted Paul and his companions for only three days, Roman customs of hospitality for shipwreck survivors typically involved official provisioning; his voluntary, courteous reception stands in contrast to the more guarded responses Paul received from other Roman officials.
No New Testament account records Publius or his household converting, underscoring that the narrative emphasizes Paul's healing ministry and Roman-Maltese hospitality over any immediate evangelistic result.
Key Passages
Paul on Malta
Acts 28:7-10
This passage shows how God turns unexpected hardships into opportunities for healing and blessing through faithful service.
7n the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.