SEV Biblia, Chapter 28:7
En aquellos lugares había heredades de un principal de la isla, llamado Publio, el cual nos recibi y hosped tres días humanamente.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Acts 28:7
Verse 7. The chief man of the island] The term prwtov, CHIEF, used hereby St. Luke, was the ancient title of the governor of this island, as is evident from an inscription found in Malta, which runs thus: - l. k. viov, kur. ippeuv. prm. prwtov melitaiwn? Lucius Caius, son of Quirinus, a Roman knight, CHIEF of the Melitese. See Bochart, Phaleg. and Chan. vol. i. chap. 498, &c., and Grotius. This title is another proof of the accuracy of St. Luke, who uses the very epithet by which the Roman governor of that island was distinguished.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 7. In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island , etc.] Or the first man of the island; so the governor of Melita used to be called, as appears by an inscription mentioned by Bochart, wherein a Roman knight is called prwtov melitaiwn , the first of the Melitians; for this island was under the Roman government, and the very name of this chief man shows it: it was first in the hands of the Africans, when Dido built Carthage, which was eight or nine hundred years before the time of Christ: Battus was king of this island, from whom it was taken by Hiarbas king of Lybia, or of the Getulians, and who also conquered Carthage; and it continued under the power of the Carthaginians, until they were conquered by the Romans; and then it was taken by Titus Sempronius, above two hundred years before Christ, in whose hands it was when the apostle was here; since then it has been taken by the Saracenes, though they held it not, being taken from them by Roger earl of Sicily, in the year 1090; and so it remained in the hands of the Sicilians, until the knights of Rhodes were driven out of that island by the Turks, in 1522; and then this was given them by the Emperor Charles the Fifth seven years after, on condition they would oppose the Turks, and defend that part of Christendom, which they bravely did: in the year 1565, it was besieged by Pialis Bassa, but without success f1340 ; and it is said to be so well fortified, as that it is impossible it should be taken, unless through treachery or famine; it is now in the hands of the said knights: but whether this man was governor of the island or not, it may be reasonably thought that he was the richest man in the island, and in the greatest honour and dignity; and had near the shore, where the ships company landed, many houses and much land, and farms and vineyards, and the like: whose name was Publius ; or Poplius, as some copies, and the Syriac version read. Publius was a name common with the Romans; it was with them a forename, by which such were called, who were pupilli, or fatherless, for it is a contraction of Popilius. There was one of this name who was bishop of Athens, said to succeed Dionysius the Areopagite there; who is thought by some to be the same here mentioned; who they say was first bishop in his own country, which through mistake they make to be Miletus, instead of Melita; and afterwards bishop of Athens, where he suffered martyrdom: but this is not likely, for even though he might be converted by the apostle, of which we have no account; and also became a preacher of the Gospel, of which there is no proof; it is not probable that he should leave his own country, and go to Athens, and take upon him the care of that church there: but whether he was afterwards converted or not, he was very kind to the apostle and the ships company, as follows: who received us, and lodged us three days courteously ; this was a very considerable instance of humanity and hospitality, to receive so many strangers at once into his houses, as two hundred three score and sixteen; and give them food and lodging, for three days together, and that in such a kind, friendly, and cheerful manner: and thus, as Abraham and Lot, by receiving strangers, entertained angels at unawares, so Publius, though ignorant of it, entertained an apostle of Christ among those strangers; the benefit of which he afterwards enjoyed, and which was a compensation for his liberality and beneficence.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-10 - God can make strangers to be friends; friends in distress. Those wh are despised for homely manners, are often more friendly than the mor polished; and the conduct of heathens, or persons called barbarians condemns many in civilized nations, professing to be Christians. The people thought that Paul was a murderer, and that the viper was sent by Divine justice, to be the avenger of blood. They knew that there is God who governs the world, so that things do not come to pass by chance, no, not the smallest event, but all by Divine direction; an that evil pursues sinners; that there are good works which God wil reward, and wicked works which he will punish. Also, that murder is dreadful crime, one which shall not long go unpunished. But the thought all wicked people were punished in this life. Though some ar made examples in this world, to prove that there is a God and Providence, yet many are left unpunished, to prove that there is judgment to come. They also thought all who were remarkably afflicte in this life were wicked people. Divine revelation sets this matter in a true light. Good men often are greatly afflicted in this life, for the trial and increase of their faith and patience. Observe Paul' deliverance from the danger. And thus in the strength of the grace of Christ, believers shake off the temptations of Satan, with holy resolution. When we despise the censures and reproaches of men, an look upon them with holy contempt, having the testimony of ou consciences for us, then, like Paul, we shake off the viper into the fire. It does us no harm, except we are kept by it from our duty. God hereby made Paul remarkable among these people, and so made way for the receiving of the gospel. The Lord raises up friends for his people in every place whither he leads them, and makes them blessings to those in affliction.
Greek Textus Receptus
εν 1722 PREP δε 1161 CONJ τοις 3588 T-DPN περι 4012 PREP τον 3588 T-ASM τοπον 5117 N-ASM εκεινον 1565 D-ASM υπηρχεν 5225 5707 V-IAI-3S χωρια 5564 N-NPN τω 3588 T-DSM πρωτω 4413 A-DSM της 3588 T-GSF νησου 3520 N-GSF ονοματι 3686 N-DSN ποπλιω 4196 N-DSM ος 3739 R-NSM αναδεξαμενος 324 5666 V-ADP-NSM ημας 2248 P-1AP τρεις 5140 A-APF ημερας 2250 N-APF φιλοφρονως 5390 ADV εξενισεν 3579 5656 V-AAI-3S
Vincent's NT Word Studies
7. The chief man (tw prwtw). Official title, without reference to his rank and possessions. Though not occurring as the official designation of the governor of Malta in any ancient author, it has been found in two inscriptions discovered in the island.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
28:7 {To the chief man of the island} (twi prwtwi tes nesou). An official title correct in Malta (Ramsay, _St. Paul_, p. 343). An inscription in Malta calls Prudens "Primate of the Maltese" (prwtos melitaiwn). Here it is plainly a title and not the common use seen in #13:50; 25:2; 28:17. {publius} (popliwi). this Greek name (praenomen) can be derived either from popilius or publius (cf. publicus for populicus from populus). Entertained us (exenisen hemas). Paul and his companions (Luke and Aristarchus). Was Julius included? On xenizw see #Ac 10:23. {Courteously} (filofronws). this old adverb from filofrwn (filos, fren, friendly mind) occurs here alone in the N.T. In a kindly or friendly manner, all the more so because of the original suspicion of Paul as a criminal.
