CHARACTER STUDY ~ PUBLIUS

The name Publius is believed to be of Latin origin and usually given to males which means "of the people". He is only mentioned in Acts 28:7-10 when there was a shipwreck and he welcomed the apostle Paul and his team to his home.

Some characteristics of Publius:

✔ Publius is said to have an estate. His estate served a significant role in hosting the apostle Paul. Whatever we have, we should learn to share with others.

✔ Publius was the chief official of the island of Malta. He used his position to do good rather than evil. Some of us want to lord our positions over others and to belittle people. However, he used his title to welcome people who had suffered a shipwreck. Let us try in our small way to identify people in some challenge and give a helping hand.   

✔ Publius was hospitable. The apostle Paul stated that he welcomed them and treated them kindly for three days. To be able to host people for three good days without charging a thing is purely an act of love and genuine hospitality.   

✔ Publius' father lay sick with a fever and dysentery and his act of generosity brought healing to his father. Paul prayed, and he laid his hands on his sick father and healed him. One good deserves another. 

✔ The miracle done in his home paved the way for the rest of those on the island who had diseases also to be healed. God can use our miracles to reach out to others to receive theirs as well if we testify.

✔ Publius' acts of kindness have a significant impact on the apostle Paul as well. When the apostle Paul and his team were ready to depart from the island, they were showered with honors, and people supplied them with everything they would need for the trip.

✔ There is no record of Publius' death in the Bible.

Supporting Scripture: Acts 28:7-10