Acts 28:7
New International Version
There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days.

New Living Translation
Near the shore where we landed was an estate belonging to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us and treated us kindly for three days.

English Standard Version
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days.

Berean Standard Bible
Nearby stood an estate belonging to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days.

Berean Literal Bible
Now in the parts around that place were lands belonging to the chief of the island, named Publius, who having received us, entertained us hospitably for three days.

King James Bible
In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

New King James Version
In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days.

New American Standard Bible
Now in the neighboring parts of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us warmly for three days.

NASB 1995
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days.

NASB 1977
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now in the areas around that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days.

Amplified Bible
In the vicinity of that place there were estates belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed and entertained us hospitably for three days.

Christian Standard Bible
Now in the area around that place was an estate belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now in the area around that place was an estate belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days.

American Standard Version
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and entertained us three days courteously.

Contemporary English Version
The governor of the island was named Publius, and he owned some of the land around there. Publius was very friendly and welcomed us into his home for three days.

English Revised Version
Now in the neighbourhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius; who received us, and entertained us three days courteously.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A man named Publius, who was the governor of the island, had property around the area. He welcomed us and treated us kindly, and for three days we were his guests.

Good News Translation
Not far from that place were some fields that belonged to Publius, the chief of the island. He welcomed us kindly and for three days we were his guests.

International Standard Version
The governor of the island, whose name was Publius, owned estates in that part of the island. He welcomed us and entertained us with great hospitality for three days.

Majority Standard Bible
Nearby stood an estate belonging to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days.

NET Bible
Now in the region around that place were fields belonging to the chief official of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably as guests for three days.

New Heart English Bible
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief official of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us for three days.

Webster's Bible Translation
In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the isle, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

Weymouth New Testament
Now in the same part of the island there were estates belonging to the Governor, whose name was Publius. He welcomed us to his house, and for three days generously made us his guests.

World English Bible
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and courteously entertained us for three days.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And in the neighborhood of that place were lands of the principal man of the island, by name Publius, who, having received us, courteously lodged [us for] three days;

Berean Literal Bible
Now in the parts around that place were lands belonging to the chief of the island, named Publius, who having received us, entertained us hospitably for three days.

Young's Literal Translation
And in the neighbourhood of that place were lands of the principal man of the island, by name Publius, who, having received us, three days did courteously lodge us;

Smith's Literal Translation
And with them about that place was landed property to the first of the island, by name Publius; who having received us, lodged us with friendship three days.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now in these places were possessions of the chief man of the island, named Publius, who receiving us, for three days entertained us courteously.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now among these places were estates owned by the ruler of the island, named Publius. And he, taking us in, showed us kind hospitality for three days.

New American Bible
In the vicinity of that place were lands belonging to a man named Publius, the chief of the island. He welcomed us and received us cordially as his guests for three days.

New Revised Standard Version
Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
There were villages in that region, belonging to a man whose name was Pub’li-us, the chief man of the island; and he gladly received us at his house for three days.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But there was in that place a village belonging to a man whose name was Puplios, who was The Chief of the island, and he joyfully received us into his house for three days.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Among the estates about that place were those of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius, who took us to his house, and, for three days, entertained us kindly.

Godbey New Testament
But in the regions around about that place there were farms belonging to the chief man of the island, by name Publius: who, having received us, entertained us courteously three days.

Haweis New Testament
Now in the vicinity of that place was the estate of the principal person on the island, named Publius, who received us into his house, and lodged us with great humanity three days.

Mace New Testament
The chief of the island, one Publius, had his estate in that quarter: he entertain'd us with diet and lodging for three days with great civility.

Weymouth New Testament
Now in the same part of the island there were estates belonging to the Governor, whose name was Publius. He welcomed us to his house, and for three days generously made us his guests.

Worrell New Testament
Now, in the districts round about that place, were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, by name Publius; who, receiving us, entertained us hospitably three days.

Worsley New Testament
Now in the parts adjacent to this place was the seat of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius, who took us into his house, and entertained us three days courteously.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ashore on Malta
6The islanders were expecting him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god. 7 Nearby stood an estate belonging to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8The father of Publius was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him, and after praying and placing his hands on him, he healed the man.…

Cross References
Luke 10:7
Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

Matthew 10:11-13
Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy there and stay at his house until you move on. / As you enter the home, greet its occupants. / If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it, but if it is not, let your peace return to you.

1 Timothy 5:17-18
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. / For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

3 John 1:5-8
Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you. / They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. / For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. ...

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

1 Peter 4:9
Show hospitality to one another without complaining.

Genesis 18:1-8
Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. / And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. / “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. ...

Genesis 19:1-3
Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, / and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” / But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

2 Kings 4:8-10
One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. / Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. / Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”

1 Kings 17:9-16
“Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” / So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” ...

2 Samuel 9:7-13
“Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” / Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?” / Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said to him, “I have given to your master’s grandson all that belonged to Saul and to all his house. ...

1 Samuel 25:6-8
and say to him, ‘Long life to you, and peace to you and to your house and to all that belongs to you. / Now I hear that it is time for shearing. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel. / Ask your young men, and they will tell you. So let my young men find favor with you, for we have come on the day of a feast. Please give whatever you can spare to your servants and to your son David.’”

Proverbs 3:27-28
Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act. / Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”—when you already have the means.

Isaiah 58:7
Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?


Treasury of Scripture

In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

the chief.

Acts 13:7
Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

Acts 18:12
And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

Acts 23:24
And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

who.

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

Matthew 10:40,41
He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me…

Luke 19:6-9
And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully…

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Belonged Belonging Chief Courteously Entertained Estate Estates Friendly Generously Governor Guests Hospitably Hospitality House Island Isle Kindly Lands Nearby Neighborhood Neighbourhood Official Part Possessions Principal Property Publius Quarters Received Three Way Welcomed
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Belonged Belonging Chief Courteously Entertained Estate Estates Friendly Generously Governor Guests Hospitably Hospitality House Island Isle Kindly Lands Nearby Neighborhood Neighbourhood Official Part Possessions Principal Property Publius Quarters Received Three Way Welcomed
Acts 28
1. Paul, after his shipwreck, is kindly entertained on Malta.
5. The snake on his hand hurts him not.
8. He heals many diseases in the island.
11. They depart toward Rome.
17. He declares to the Jews the cause of his coming.
24. After his preaching some were persuaded, and some believed not.
30. Yet he preaches there two years.














Nearby stood an estate
The phrase "nearby stood an estate" indicates proximity and a place of significance. The Greek word for "estate" (χωρίον, chōrion) suggests a piece of land or property, often implying wealth and status. In the historical context of the Roman Empire, estates were symbols of power and influence. This setting underscores the providential care of God, who provides for His servants through the resources of the world, even in unexpected places.

belonging to Publius
"Publius" is identified as the owner of the estate. The name is of Latin origin, common in Roman society, and suggests a person of high standing. Historically, Publius is recognized as the "chief official" or "protos" (πρῶτος), meaning the first or leading man of the island. This indicates his authority and responsibility over the local governance, reflecting the Roman administrative structure. His role as a leader highlights the divine orchestration in Paul's journey, as God uses influential people to further His purposes.

the chief official of the island
The term "chief official" (πρῶτος, prōtos) signifies Publius's position as the leading authority on Malta. This title reflects the Roman system of governance, where local leaders were appointed to maintain order and represent Roman interests. The mention of his position emphasizes the respect and honor given to Paul and his companions, as they are received by the highest authority on the island. It also illustrates the reach of the Gospel, penetrating even the upper echelons of society.

He welcomed us
The phrase "He welcomed us" conveys a sense of warmth and hospitality. The Greek word "ἀποδέχομαι" (apodechomai) implies receiving with approval and kindness. In the cultural context of the ancient Mediterranean world, hospitality was a highly valued virtue, often seen as a moral obligation. Publius's welcome is a testament to the universal appeal of Christian love and fellowship, breaking down barriers and fostering community.

and entertained us hospitably
"Entertained us hospitably" further emphasizes the graciousness of Publius's actions. The Greek word "φιλοφρόνως" (philophronōs) suggests a friendly and benevolent attitude. This hospitality is not merely a social custom but a reflection of God's grace working through individuals. It serves as a reminder of the Christian call to show kindness to strangers, as echoed in Hebrews 13:2, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

for three days
The duration "for three days" indicates a significant period of time, allowing for meaningful interaction and relationship-building. In biblical numerology, the number three often symbolizes completeness and divine perfection. This period of hospitality provided Paul and his companions with rest and refreshment, preparing them for the next phase of their mission. It also allowed for the seeds of the Gospel to be sown in the hearts of those present, demonstrating God's perfect timing and provision.

(7) The chief man of the island.--Literally, the first man. The term is found both in Greek and Latin inscriptions, at Malta, of the time of Augustus, as an official title. It probably designated the prefect or governor of the island, as distinct from the procurator. In the time of Cicero (In Verr. iv. 18) Melita was included in the "province" of Sicily, and if that arrangement continued, Publius would be the "legate" of the Sicilian proconsul. The Latin name falls in with the supposition of his holding some office of this kind.

Lodged us three days courteously.--We can hardly think of the hospitality of Publius as extended to the whole two hundred and seventy-six who had been on board, and the omission of the word "all," which meets us in Acts 28:2, probably indicates a limitation to a chosen few, among whom St. Paul and St. Luke, and, most likely, the centurion Julius, were included. It is implied that after the three days they found a lodging for themselves. The word for "courteously" expresses kindliness of feeling rather than of manner.

Verse 7. - Now in the neighborhood of that place for in the same quarters, A.V.; lands belonging to for possessions of, A.V.; named for whose name was, A.V.; entertained for lodged, A.V. Lands (χωρία); so John 4:5; Actsi. 18,19; 4:34; 5:3,8. The chief man of the island (τῷ πρώτει τῆς νήσου). It appears that, with his usual accurate knowledge gained on the spot (see Acts 16:22. note), St. Luke here gives to Publius his peculiar official title of primus. For Ciantar (1. 215), quoted by Smith, gives a Greek inscription on a marble, which in his day was standing near the gates of Citta Vecehia, in Malta, in which are the words, Προύδενς ἵππευς Ρωμ πρῶτος Μελιταίων κ.τ.λ., "Prudens, a Roman knight, chief of the Maltese." The Latin inscription, which was discovered in 1747, has the same title, MEL PRIMUS. "chief of the Maltese." It may not improbably be the Greek and Latin translation of the old Phoenician title of the "headman," in Hebrew הָרלֺאשׁ, in Chaldee ראֵשׁ, as in the title ראֵשׂ הַגְלוּתָה, the chief of the Captivity. When the Romans succeeded the Carthaginians in the possession of the island, they would be likely to perpetuate the title of the chief magistrate. In this case the chief was also a Roman, as his name of Publius indicates. Alford says that he was legatus to the Praetor of Sicily, and so 'Speaker's Commentary,' Kuinoel, Meyer, ere.' Received us; ἀναδεξάμενος, only here (and Hebrews 11:17 in a different sense) for the more common ὑποδέχομαι. Kuinoel quotes from AElian, 'Var. Hist.,' 4, 19, the similar phrase, Υπέδεξατο αὐτοὺς. . . φιλοφρόνως: and from 2 Macc. 3:9, Φιλοφρόνως ὑπὸ τοῦ ἀρχιερέως ὑποδεχθείς. Entertained us (ἐξένισεν); see Acts 10:6, 18, 23, 32; Acts 21:16; and in the active voice in Hebrews 13:2. Courteously; φιλοφρόνως, only here in the New Testament, but we find φιλόφρων, courteous, in 1 Peter 3:8. We must understand the "us" probably to include the centurion, St. Paul, St. Luke, Aristarchus, and possibly one or two others, but not the whole two hundred and seventy-six. Hebrews 13:2 had a striking fulfillment here. During the three days they would have opportunity to procure suitable winter quarters.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Nearby
Ἐν (En)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

stood
ὑπῆρχεν (hypērchen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5225: To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).

an estate
χωρία (chōria)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5564: A place, piece of land, field, property, estate. Diminutive of chora; a spot or plot of ground.

belonging to the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Publius,
Ποπλίῳ (Popliō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4196: Publius, a governor of Malta. Of Latin origin; apparently 'popular'; Poplius, a Roman.

[the] chief official
πρώτῳ (prōtō)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4413: First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

island.
νήσου (nēsou)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3520: An island. Probably from the base of naus; an island.

[He]
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

welcomed
ἀναδεξάμενος (anadexamenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 324: To welcome, receive kindly; I undertake, assume the responsibility of. From ana and dechomai; to entertain.

us
ἡμᾶς (hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

[and] entertained [us]
ἐξένισεν (exenisen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3579: (a) I entertain a stranger, (b) I startle, bewilder. From xenos; to be a host; by implication, be strange.

hospitably
φιλοφρόνως (philophronōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5390: Kindly, in a friendly manner. Adverb from philophron; with friendliness of mind, i.e. Kindly.

[for] three
τρεῖς (treis)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5140: Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'.

days.
ἡμέρας (hēmeras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.


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NT Apostles: Acts 28:7 Now in the neighborhood of that place (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 28:6
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