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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 Ac 28:7: Publius was the chief man or probably the governor of the island of Melita (see note 1 at Ac 28:1). Publius lodged Paul for three days after his shipwreck. Paul prayed for Publius' father, and he was healed of dysentery. This occasioned others coming for healing. 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 A.D. 384, said that Publius died a martyr's death.
