Topical Bible: Hospitality: Publius to Paul

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In the New Testament, the theme of hospitality is vividly illustrated in the account of Publius and the Apostle Paul, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. This narrative highlights the Christian virtue of hospitality, which is emphasized throughout Scripture as a reflection of God's love and care for others.

Biblical Account

The account of Publius and Paul is found in Acts 28:7-10. After being shipwrecked on the island of Malta, Paul and his companions were met with kindness by the islanders. The chief official of the island, Publius, extended exceptional hospitality to Paul and his fellow travelers. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event as follows:

"In the area around that place was an estate belonging to the chief official of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days" (Acts 28:7).

Publius's hospitality was not merely a gesture of politeness but a genuine act of kindness and care. His willingness to host strangers, especially after their harrowing experience at sea, exemplifies the biblical call to love and serve others.

Healing and Reciprocity

During their stay, Paul learned that Publius's father was ill with fever and dysentery. Demonstrating the power of God and the reciprocal nature of Christian hospitality, Paul visited the sick man, prayed, and laid hands on him, resulting in his healing. This miraculous event is described in Acts 28:8-9:

"Paul went in to see him, and after praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him. After this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured" (Acts 28:8-9).

The healing of Publius's father led to a broader ministry on the island, as many others came to Paul and were healed. This act of divine intervention not only affirmed the truth of the Gospel but also demonstrated the blessings that can flow from acts of hospitality.

Cultural and Theological Significance

In the cultural context of the ancient Mediterranean world, hospitality was a highly valued practice. It was considered a sacred duty to welcome and care for travelers and strangers. Publius's actions align with this cultural expectation, yet they also transcend it by embodying the Christian principle of selfless love.

Theologically, hospitality is a recurring theme in the Bible, seen as a reflection of God's own hospitality towards humanity. In the Old Testament, figures like Abraham and Lot are commended for their hospitality (Genesis 18:1-8; 19:1-3). In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to practice hospitality as an expression of their faith (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9).

Lessons for Believers

The account of Publius and Paul serves as a powerful reminder for Christians to practice hospitality in their own lives. It underscores the importance of welcoming others, especially those in need, and the potential for such acts to open doors for ministry and the demonstration of God's power. Hospitality is not merely a social nicety but a profound expression of the Gospel, inviting others to experience the love and grace of God through tangible acts of kindness and service.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 28:2
And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Paul in Malta and Rome.
... excited by their sufferings, and what unaffected hospitality could do ... to pass, that
the father of Publius lay sick ... and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxix paul in malta.htm

Acts XXVIII
... But no man ever loses by such hospitality, especially if it ... came to pass that the
father of Publius lay afflicted with fever and dysentery; to whom Paul went in ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxviii.htm

Acts xxviii. 1
... "Publius," it says, "lodged them courteously" (v.7): two ... how great the gain of his
hospitality: not as of ... with his requital, he naturally honored Paul much more ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liv acts xxviii 1.htm

Letter Lxxvii. To Oceanus.
... Papinianus [2328] commands one thing; our own Paul another. ... and for a short time
took advantage of my hospitality. ... What Publius once did in the island of Malta ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxvii to oceanus.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... Speratus said: Books and epistles of Paul, a just man. ... Origen in Ep. ad Rom., V:
"I [Paul], he says, died [Rom.7:9], for now sin began to be reckoned unto me. ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm