Acts 28 7

Acts 28:7 kjv

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.

Acts 28:7 nkjv

In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days.

Acts 28:7 niv

There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days.

Acts 28:7 esv

Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days.

Acts 28:7 nlt

Near the shore where we landed was an estate belonging to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us and treated us kindly for three days.

Acts 28 verses

Acts 28 7 Meaning

Acts 28:7 describes the immediate welcome and provision for Paul and his fellow shipwreck survivors upon arriving in Malta. After enduring a treacherous journey and a shipwreck, they found shelter on an estate belonging to Publius, identified as the island's chief official. This official, acting with exceptional hospitality, welcomed them warmly and provided them lodging and care for three days. This act of kindness marked a crucial point of relief and provision following their intense ordeal, setting the stage for divine intervention through Paul.

Acts 28 7 Context

Acts 28:7 is part of the final chapter of Acts, which narrates Paul's journey to Rome. Following the perilous shipwreck on the island of Malta, recounted in Acts 27, Paul and 275 others survived by clinging to debris and swimming to shore. Exhausted and wet, they encountered the native inhabitants, who showed them unusual kindness by lighting a fire for warmth due to the cold and rain (Acts 28:1-2). This immediate provision of warmth and shelter highlights their desperate need and the benevolence they encountered. Publius's hospitality immediately follows Paul's miraculous survival of a viper bite, which astonished the locals, some initially believing him to be a murderer whom justice was pursuing, and then a god when he remained unharmed (Acts 28:3-6). The verse sets the stage for further divine demonstrations through Paul, particularly the healing of Publius's father and others on the island. It underscores divine providence in dire circumstances and the opening of doors for ministry through the practical act of kindness.

Acts 28 7 Word analysis

• In that region (ἐν τοῖς τόποις ἐκείνοις, en tois topois ekeinois): Refers to the specific geographical area near where the shipwrecked crew landed on Malta, indicating a localized detail rather than the entire island. Luke, as a meticulous historian, provides this precision.

• there was an estate (χώριον, chōrion): This Greek term denotes a piece of land, a property, or an estate. It implies a place of significant size or importance, likely with a residence, rather than a mere plot of ground. The possession of an estate suggests wealth and standing for its owner.

• belonging to Publius (τῷ πρώτῳ τῆς νήσου, tō prōtō tēs nēsou): Publius is the personal name of the host. The descriptive phrase "the chief official of the island" serves as an appositive, explaining his eminent status.

• the chief official of the island (τῷ πρώτῳ τῆς νήσου, tō prōtō tēs nēsou): This Greek phrase, protos tēs nēsou, meaning "first man of the island," was a verified official title for the highest Roman magistrate or governor of Malta during that period, confirmed by archaeological inscriptions found on the island. It signifies not merely social eminence but definite political authority. Luke's accurate use of this rare, specific title confirms his reliability and meticulous research. Publius was likely the Roman legate or imperial procurator for Malta. This shows a pagan official extended a divine kindness.

• he welcomed us (ἀνεδέξατο ἡμᾶς, anedexato hēmas): The verb anadechomai implies not just receiving but "taking up," "taking charge of," or "undertaking responsibility for" someone. It suggests a more profound and protective welcome than a mere greeting, implying an immediate, benevolent, and protective reception, recognizing their distressed state.

• and entertained us hospitably (φιλοφρόνως ξένισεν, philophrōnos xenisen): This phrase highlights the nature of the welcome. Philophronos means "kindly," "courteously," "with goodwill" – reflecting a generous and considerate spirit. Xenisen (from xenizō) means "to entertain as a guest," "to show hospitality to strangers." It emphasizes the ancient Mediterranean custom of xenia, which was a sacred duty involving the protection, housing, and feeding of strangers, often with mutual respect expected. This was not a grudging or formal reception, but a genuinely warm and generous one.

• for three days (ἡμέρας τρεῖς, hēmeras treis): Specifies the duration of the initial stay. Three days is often a significant period in biblical narrative, suggesting a notable period of rest, observation, or preparation. It was sufficient time for the immediate needs of Paul and his companions to be met and for the miraculous healing of Publius's father to occur (Acts 28:8).

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Publius, the chief official of the island": This phrase combines the personal name of their benefactor with his powerful and rare official title. This connection highlights Publius's capacity and authority to offer such comprehensive hospitality. His status made his welcome particularly significant, providing stability and immediate care for a large group of desperate survivors. It also showcases God's providence, arranging for His servants to be cared for by someone in a position of power and influence, turning potential danger into an opportunity for ministry.

Acts 28 7 Bonus section

The identification of "Publius, the chief official of the island" as protos tēs nēsou is a strong archaeological validation of Luke's accuracy as a historian. Inscriptions found on Malta have confirmed the use of this very specific title for the highest Roman authority on the island during that era, indicating Luke's detailed and reliable knowledge of local political structures. This precise detail boosts the credibility of the entire Acts narrative. Furthermore, the pagan concept of xenia (hospitality to strangers) played a vital role in Mediterranean culture. To receive strangers, especially shipwreck survivors, was seen as a moral and religious obligation, sometimes motivated by fear of offending a deity who might be disguised as a traveler. Publius's actions align with this ancient custom but were still remarkable in their scope, embracing a large group for a significant period.

Acts 28 7 Commentary

Acts 28:7 is a profound testament to divine providence and the immediate working of God through human kindness after immense trial. After surviving a life-threatening storm and shipwreck, Paul and his companions found immediate succor not from fellow believers, but from Publius, a pagan official. Publius's hospitality, described by Luke with specific and culturally resonant terms ("chief official," "welcomed," "entertained us hospitably"), highlights an example of unconditional mercy. This initial act of receiving a large group of exhausted strangers underscores the universal call to hospitality and prepares the way for God's further work through Paul on the island, including miraculous healings. It signifies God's capacity to orchestrate comfort and open doors for His Gospel even in the aftermath of disaster and in the hands of the seemingly unlikely.