Acts 28 8

Acts 28:8 kjv

And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

Acts 28:8 nkjv

And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.

Acts 28:8 niv

His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.

Acts 28:8 esv

It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him.

Acts 28:8 nlt

As it happened, Publius's father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying his hands on him, he healed him.

Acts 28 verses

Acts 28 8 Meaning

Acts 28:8 describes a specific miracle performed by the Apostle Paul while he was shipwrecked on the island of Malta. It narrates how Paul entered the residence of Publius, the island's chief official, where Publius's father was suffering from a severe combination of fever and dysentery. Paul responded to this dire situation by praying and laying his hands on the sick man, resulting in his immediate and complete healing. This event was a significant demonstration of God's power working through Paul, confirming his apostolic authority and the divine nature of the message he proclaimed.

Acts 28 8 Context

Paul's shipwreck on Malta occurs near the end of his journey to Rome, where he is being sent as a prisoner. Immediately prior to this verse (Acts 28:1-7), Paul and his fellow survivors had made it safely ashore on the island of Malta after a violent storm. They were met with unexpected hospitality from the native inhabitants. During this time, a venomous viper latched onto Paul's hand from a bundle of sticks. The islanders initially concluded Paul must be a murderer for whom "Justice" was meting out punishment. However, when Paul miraculously shook off the snake into the fire without suffering any ill effects, their perception shifted; they began to believe he was a god.

Acts 28:8 follows this incident, capitalizing on the open reception and awe Paul had already garnered. Publius, the "chief man" of the island (meaning the Roman governor or the leading citizen, identified by the unique title ho protos - the first or chief one, used epigraphically for officials on Malta and Sicily), welcomed Paul and his companions into his home. The illness of Publius's father provided Paul with an immediate opportunity to demonstrate the true source of his power and identity — not as a god, but as a servant of the one true God, Jesus Christ. This healing act served as a pivotal moment, further validating Paul's divine commission to the local population, opening the door for widespread healing and the spread of the Gospel throughout the island (Acts 28:9-10).

Acts 28 8 Word analysis

• And it came to pass: (καὶ ἐγένετο - kai egeneto). A common Greek translation of a Hebrew narrative construction (frequently wahi in the Old Testament), signifying a transitional narrative marker. It means "it happened that" or "it came about that," indicating a significant event or new development in the unfolding story, often hinting at divine providence in the circumstances.
• that the father of Publius: Publius (Πούπλιος - Pouplios) was the island's "chief man" or principal official. The mention of his father indicates his personal relationship with this prominent family. It emphasizes that this healing occurred within a household of social standing, further legitimizing the event to the broader community.
• lay sick: (κατέκειτο - katekaito). Implying he was confined to bed due to his severe condition. The imperfect tense suggests a continuous state of illness, not a sudden or brief affliction.
• of a fever: (πυρετοῖς - pyretois, plural). Suggests repeated bouts or intense fever, possibly indicative of an infectious disease. Fevers were a widespread and dangerous symptom of many ancient illnesses.
• and of a bloody flux: (καὶ δυσεντερίῳ - kai dysenterio). Refers specifically to dysentery, an acute infection of the intestine characterized by painful diarrhea with blood and mucus, often accompanied by fever. It was a serious, debilitating, and often fatal disease in ancient times, particularly for the elderly. Its mention specifies the severity and chronic nature of the father's illness.
• to whom Paul entered in: (ἐφ̓ ὃν εἰσελθών Παῦλος - eph' hon eiselthōn Paulos). Paul took the initiative or was invited directly into the sick man's presence, signifying his compassionate engagement and direct personal involvement in the healing process.
• and prayed: (καὶ προσευξάμενος - kai proseuxamenos). This participle emphasizes that prayer was the foundational action. It underscores that the power for healing did not originate from Paul himself, but was invoked from God through humble supplication. This highlights the dependence on divine intervention rather than a magical act.
• and laid his hands on him: (καὶ ἐπιθεὶς τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῷ - kai epitheis tas cheiras auto). A common practice in biblical healing, often a physical conduit or symbol of divine power or blessing being transferred. It represents direct personal contact, identification, and a visible sign accompanying the unseen work of God's Spirit. Both Jesus and His apostles frequently used this method for healing and imparting the Holy Spirit.
• and healed him: (ἰάσατο - iasato). A concise and powerful verb meaning "to heal" or "to cure." It implies complete restoration from illness, often implying that it was a decisive and effective act by divine power, not merely a slight improvement.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And it came to pass... sick of a fever and of a bloody flux": This sequence establishes the dire, humanly incurable context. The divine "came to pass" brings a profound illness into the narrative, setting the stage for a dramatic divine intervention. The double affliction (fever and dysentery) underscores the severity and the hopelessness from a human medical perspective, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the upcoming miracle.
• "to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him": This phrase captures the three-fold action of Paul, demonstrating his Christ-like compassion, spiritual discipline, and apostolic authority. "Entered in" shows personal engagement. "Prayed" shows dependence on God. "Laid hands" shows the channel of power and personal connection, following the established pattern of divine healing. Each action is intentional and preparatory for the miracle.
• "and healed him": This is the culmination and powerful result. It is direct and definitive, showing immediate and complete divine restoration, attributed solely to the power channeled through Paul's actions directed by God. This direct result clearly linked the divine intervention to Paul's presence and ministry.

Acts 28 8 Bonus Section

• God's Providence in Suffering: Paul's shipwreck, a seemingly unfortunate event, was orchestrated by God to bring the Gospel to the island of Malta and ultimately to Rome. This verse shows how even hardships can become platforms for divine intervention and witness.
• Confirmation of Apostolic Ministry: The consistent performance of miracles, like this healing, served as undeniable proof that the apostles were genuinely sent by God, affirming the authenticity of their message in a world full of competing spiritual claims.
• Holistic Gospel: The early Christian message was not merely abstract theology but had tangible impact, addressing human suffering—physical as well as spiritual—demonstrating God's care for the whole person. This practical expression of love often opened doors for spiritual conversion.
• Contrast with Paganism: This healing stood in stark contrast to the pagan beliefs and practices common on Malta, where deities were thought to exact revenge (as with the viper). The miracle of healing demonstrated a loving and merciful God who actively intervened for good, establishing the superiority of Christian truth.

Acts 28 8 Commentary

Acts 28:8 presents a pivotal miracle that highlights the continuity of divine power manifesting through the apostles as it did through Christ. Paul's healing of Publius's father was not merely an act of compassion, but a strategic demonstration of the true God's authority in a pagan context. The severity of the illness (fever and fatal dysentery) left no doubt that the healing was a supernatural work, especially following the islanders' superstitious reaction to the viper incident.

This healing solidified Paul's divine credentials in the eyes of the Maltese, transitioning them from viewing him as a criminal, then as a god, to recognizing him as a true messenger of the living God. It underscores the biblical principle that signs and wonders serve to confirm the spoken Word of God, preparing hearts for the Gospel message. Furthermore, it exemplifies the New Testament pattern of faith-filled prayer combined with the laying on of hands as a means God uses for healing, emphasizing reliance on His power rather than human ability. This single act of compassion led to widespread healings on the island, showcasing the expansive, transformative nature of the Kingdom of God and its tangible reality, even in the direst of circumstances. It provides a testament to God's providence, turning Paul's adversity (shipwreck and imprisonment) into an opportunity for powerful ministry and Gospel advancement.