Bible Figure
Saint Publius
Publius was the leading man or chief official of Malta who welcomed Paul and his companions after their shipwreck. After Paul healed Publius' father, other sick people on the island came and were healed.
Biography
Acts 28 recounts the survivors of Paul's shipwreck reaching Malta, where the islanders treated them with unusual kindness. Publius, described as the leading man of the island, owned lands nearby and received Paul and his companions hospitably for three days. Publius' father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul visited him, prayed, laid hands on him, and healed him. After this, other sick people on Malta came and were cured. The islanders honored the travelers and supplied what they needed when they later sailed. Scripture does not state that Publius became a bishop or describe his later life; those details belong to subsequent tradition.
Biblical Significance
Publius' hospitality and the healing in his household turn the aftermath of a disastrous shipwreck into another setting for God's providence and witness. The episode shows Paul continuing to serve others even while he himself is a prisoner awaiting trial.