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Acts 28:7 |
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In 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.
Note 1 at Acts 28:7: Publius was the chief man or probably the governor of the island of Melita (see note 1 at Acts 28:1, p. ???). Publius lodged Paul for three days after his shipwreck and Paul prayed for Publius' father who was healed of dysentery. This occasioned others coming for healing and no doubt they heard the gospel and many were converted.
Tradition states that Publius was the first bishop of Melita and that he later succeeded Dionysius as bishop of Athens. Jerome, who wrote in 384 A.D., said that Publius died a martyrs death.
