Acts 28:8
New International Version
His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.

New Living Translation
As it happened, Publius’s father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying his hands on him, he healed him.

English Standard Version
It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him.

Berean Standard Bible
The 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.

Berean Literal Bible
And it came to pass, the father of Publius was lying, oppressed with fevers and dysentery, toward whom Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him.

King James Bible
And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

New King James Version
And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.

New American Standard Bible
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with a recurring fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him, and after he prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him.

NASB 1995
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him.

NASB 1977
And it came about that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying afflicted with fever and dysentery; and Paul, going to see him and having prayed, laid his hands on him and healed him.

Amplified Bible
And it happened that the father of Publius was sick [in bed] with recurring attacks of fever and dysentery; and Paul went to him, and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him.

Christian Standard Bible
Publius’s father was in bed suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, and praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Publius’s father was in bed suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, and praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him.

American Standard Version
And it was so, that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laying his hands on him healed him.

Contemporary English Version
His father was in bed, sick with fever and stomach trouble, and Paul went to visit him. Paul healed the man by praying and placing his hands on him.

English Revised Version
And it was so, that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laying his hands on him healed him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
His father happened to be sick in bed. He was suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, prayed, placed his hands on him, and made him well.

Good News Translation
Publius' father was in bed, sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went into his room, prayed, placed his hands on him, and healed him.

International Standard Version
The father of Publius happened to be sick in bed with fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, prayed, and healed him by placing his hands on him.

Majority Standard Bible
The 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.

NET Bible
The father of Publius lay sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and after praying, placed his hands on him and healed him.

New Heart English Bible
It happened that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass that the father of Publius lay sick with a fever, and a bloody-flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

Weymouth New Testament
It happened, however, that his father was lying ill of dysentery aggravated by attacks of fever; so Paul went to see him, and, after praying, laid his hands on him and cured him.

World English Bible
The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it came to pass, the father of Publius was lying, oppressed with fevers and dysentery, to whom Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid [his] hands on him, healed him;

Berean Literal Bible
And it came to pass, the father of Publius was lying, oppressed with fevers and dysentery, toward whom Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him.

Young's Literal Translation
and it came to pass, the father of Publius with feverish heats and dysentery pressed, was laid, unto whom Paul having entered, and having prayed, having laid his hands on him, healed him;

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was the father of Publius lay, held fast with fever and dysentery: to whom Paul, having come in and prayed, laid hands upon him, and healed him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever, and of a bloody flux. To whom Paul entered in; and when he had prayed, and laid his hands on him, he healed him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then it happened that the father of Publius lay ill with a fever and with dysentery. Paul entered to him, and when he had prayed and had laid his hands on him, he saved him.

New American Bible
It so happened that the father of Publius was sick with a fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and, after praying, laid his hands on him and healed him.

New Revised Standard Version
It so happened that the father of Publius lay sick in bed with fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and cured him by praying and putting his hands on him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the father of Pub’li-us was sick with fever and dysentery: so Paul went in to where he was lying and prayed, then he laid his hand on him and healed him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
The father of Puplios had a fever and was ill with a disease of the intestines and Paulus entered his presence and prayed and laid his hand upon him and healed him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul went in to him, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and restored him to health.

Godbey New Testament
And it came to pass, that the father of Publius was lying prostrate with fevers and dysentery: to whom Paul having come in, and prayed, laying hands on him, healed him.

Haweis New Testament
And it so happened that the father of Publius was then confined to his bed with an attack of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul went in, and after praying, laid his hands upon him, and healed him.

Mace New Testament
Publius's father happening then to lie sick of a fever, and a dysentery, Paul made him a visit, pray'd by him, gave him imposition of hands, and cur'd him.

Weymouth New Testament
It happened, however, that his father was lying ill of dysentery aggravated by attacks of fever; so Paul went to see him, and, after praying, laid his hands on him and cured him.

Worrell New Testament
And it happened that the father of Publius was lying prostrate, afflicted with fever and dysentery; to whom Paul coming, and praying, laying his hands on him, healed him.

Worsley New Testament
And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery: to whom Paul went in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ashore on Malta
7Nearby stood an estate belonging to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 The 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. 9After this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured as well.…

Cross References
Matthew 8:14-15
When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever. / So He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve Him.

Luke 4:38-39
After Jesus had left the synagogue, He went to the home of Simon, whose mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever. So they appealed to Jesus on her behalf, / and He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and began to serve them.

Mark 1:30-31
Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and they promptly told Jesus about her. / So He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them.

James 5:14-15
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. / And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

1 Corinthians 12:9
to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,

2 Kings 5:14
So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean.

2 Kings 20:5
“Go back and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will surely heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD.

Isaiah 38:21
Now Isaiah had said, “Prepare a lump of pressed figs and apply it to the boil, and he will recover.”

John 14:12
Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Matthew 10:1
And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness.

Luke 9:1-2
Then Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and power to cure diseases. / And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Mark 16:18
they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”

Acts 3:6-8
But Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” / Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong. / He sprang to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God.

Acts 9:17-18
So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” / At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized,

Acts 19:11-12
God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul, / so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and the diseases and evil spirits left them.


Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

the father.

Mark 1:30,31
But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her…

prayed.

Acts 9:40
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

1 Kings 17:20-22
And he cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son? …

James 5:14-16
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: …

laid.

Acts 9:17,18
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost…

Acts 19:11,12
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: …

Matthew 9:18
While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

and healed.

Matthew 10:1,8
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease…

Luke 9:1-3
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases…

Luke 10:8,9
And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: …

Jump to Previous
Attacks Bed Bloody Cured Disease Entered Fever Feverish Flux Hands Healed However Ill Lay Lying Paul Placed Prayed Prayer Publius Putting Sick Stomach Suffering Visited
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Attacks Bed Bloody Cured Disease Entered Fever Feverish Flux Hands Healed However Ill Lay Lying Paul Placed Prayed Prayer Publius Putting Sick Stomach Suffering Visited
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.














The father of Publius
This phrase introduces us to a significant figure in the narrative, the father of Publius. Publius is identified as the chief official of the island of Malta, indicating a position of authority and respect. The mention of his father highlights the personal nature of the miracle that is about to occur. In the cultural context of the time, family ties were of utmost importance, and the healing of a family member would have had profound implications for Publius and the community. This sets the stage for a demonstration of God's power and compassion through Paul.

lay sick in bed
The description of the father as "lay sick in bed" paints a vivid picture of his condition. The Greek word used here, "katakeimai," implies a state of being bedridden, suggesting a severe illness that rendered him unable to perform daily activities. This detail emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the need for divine intervention. It also reflects the human condition of suffering and the hope for healing that is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.

suffering from fever and dysentery
The specific mention of "fever and dysentery" provides insight into the medical understanding of the time. These symptoms were likely indicative of a serious gastrointestinal infection, which could be life-threatening without modern medical treatment. The historical context suggests that such illnesses were common and often fatal in the ancient world. This detail underscores the miraculous nature of the healing that is about to take place, as it demonstrates God's power over even the most dire physical ailments.

Paul went in to see him
This phrase highlights Paul's willingness to engage personally with those in need. The Greek verb "eiserchomai" suggests an intentional act of entering into the presence of the sick man. Paul's actions reflect the Christian call to minister to the suffering and to be present with those who are hurting. It also demonstrates his faith in God's ability to heal, as he approaches the situation with confidence and compassion.

and after praying
The act of praying is central to this narrative. The Greek word "proseuchomai" indicates a form of prayer that is earnest and directed towards God. This highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance and intervention in times of need. Prayer is portrayed as a powerful tool for believers, serving as a conduit for God's will to be manifested on earth. It also reflects the dependence on God that is a hallmark of the Christian faith.

he laid his hands on him
The laying on of hands is a significant gesture in biblical tradition, often associated with the impartation of blessing, healing, or authority. In this context, it symbolizes the transfer of God's healing power through Paul. The physical act of laying hands serves as a tangible expression of faith and a means of connecting with the person in need. It also reflects the communal and relational nature of the Christian faith, where believers are called to support and uplift one another.

and healed him
The culmination of the verse is the miraculous healing of Publius' father. The Greek word "iaomai" denotes a complete and restorative healing, emphasizing the totality of God's power over sickness. This act of healing serves as a testament to the truth of the Gospel and the authority of Jesus Christ, whom Paul represents. It also serves as a catalyst for further ministry and the spread of the Christian message on the island of Malta. The healing is a powerful reminder of God's compassion and the hope that is found in Christ.

(8) Lay sick of a fever and a bloody flux.--Literally, with fevers and dysentery, both words being used by St. Luke with professional precision. The plural, "fevers," probably indicates the attacks of a recurrent fever, and its combination with dysentery would, according to Hippocrates, who also uses the plural form (Aph. vi. 3), make the case more than usually critical. The disease is said to be far from uncommon in Malta.

Prayed, and laid his hands on him.--The union of the two acts reminds us of the rule given in James 5:14-15; and the close sequence of the work of the healing upon the escape from the serpent's bite, of the juxtaposition of the two promises of Mark 16:18.

Verse 8. - It was so for it came to pass, A.V.; fever for a fever, A.V.; dysentery for of a bloody flux, A.V.; unto for to, A.V.; and laying, etc., healed for and laid, etc., and healed, A.V. The father of Publius. The fact of the father of Publius being alive and living in Malta is a further indication that the term ὁ πρῶτος τῆς νήσου ισ an official title. Lay sick. Συνέχεσθαι ισ also the usual medical expression for being taken sick of any disease (see the numerous passages quoted by Hobart, pp. 3, 4, from Galen and Hippocrates). It is used by St. Luke, with πυρετῴ (Luke 4:38), and in the same sense in Matthew 4:24. Lay. Κατακεῖσθαι is used especially of lying in bed from sickness (see Mark 1:30; Mark 2:4; Luke 5:25; Acts 9:33). It answers to decumbo in Latin. Sick of fever and dysentery (πυρετοῖς καὶ δυσεντερία συνεχόμενον). The terms here used are all professional ones. Πυρετός, in the plural, is of frequent occurrence in Hippocrates, Aretaeus, and Galen, but elsewhere in the New Testament always in the singular; δυσεντερία, only found here in the New Testament, is the regular technical word for a "dysentery," and is frequently in medical writers coupled with πυρετοί or πυρετός, as indicating different stages of the same illness. Laying his hands on him. So Mark 16:18, "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (see also Matthew 9:18; Matthew 19:13, 15; Mark 5:23; Mark 6:5; Mark 7:32; Mark 8:23, 25; Luke 4:40; Luke 13:13; Acts 9:12). It is also spoken of as an accompaniment of prayer in confirmation, ordination, etc. It has been remarked as curious that the two actions of taking up serpents and healing the sick by the laying on of hands should be in such close juxtaposition both here and in Mark 16:18. It suggests the thought whether Luke had seen the passage in St. Mark; or whether the writer of Mark 16:18 had seen Acts 28:8. Or is the coincidence accidental, arising out of the facts?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative 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.

father
πατέρα (patera)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

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

was
ἐγένετο (egeneto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

sick in bed,
κατακεῖσθαι (katakeisthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 2621: From kata and keimai; to lie down, i.e. be sick; specially, to recline at a meal.

suffering from
συνεχόμενον (synechomenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4912: From sun and echo; to hold together, i.e. To compress or arrest; figuratively, to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy.

fever
πυρετοῖς (pyretois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4446: A fever, scorching heat. From puresso; inflamed, i.e. feverish.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

dysentery.
δυσεντερίῳ (dysenteriō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1420: Dysentery. From dus- and a comparative of entos; a 'dysentery'.

Paul
Παῦλος (Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

went in
εἰσελθὼν (eiselthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

to [see]
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

[him],
ὃν (hon)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

after praying
προσευξάμενος (proseuxamenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4336: To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.

[and] placing
ἐπιθεὶς (epitheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2007: To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose.

[his]
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

hands
χεῖρας (cheiras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5495: A hand.

on him,
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

he healed
ἰάσατο (iasato)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2390: To heal, generally of the physical, sometimes of spiritual, disease. Middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure.

[the man].
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Apostles: Acts 28:8 It happened that the father of Publius (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 28:7
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