Chief Man of Malta
Publius of Malta
The leading official on Malta who hospitably hosted the shipwrecked Paul for three days, and whose sick father Paul healed — after which islanders came seeking healing.
Life and work
After Paul's ship wrecked off Malta, the local people showed the survivors "unusual kindness," and Publius, described as "the chief man of the island," welcomed Paul and his companions and entertained them for three days. Publius's father was ill with fever and dysentery; Paul went in, prayed, laid hands on him, and healed him. Word spread, and other sick people on the island came and were healed as well (Acts 28:7-10). Luke doesn't record whether Publius himself became a believer, only his hospitality and the healing that followed under his roof.
- Occupation
- Leading official ("chief man") of the island of Malta
- Places
- Malta
Extra-biblical evidence
No extra-biblical record of this Publius survives; later church tradition identifies him as Malta's first bishop, but that tradition is unverifiable and postdates the New Testament by centuries.
Scripture references
- Acts 28:7-10 — Hosts Paul after the shipwreck; his father is healed
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