Acts 28:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
G4012
περὶ
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
4 of 22
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τόπον
quarters
G5117
τόπον
quarters
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
6 of 22
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
ἐκεῖνον
the same
G1565
ἐκεῖνον
the same
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
7 of 22
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ὑπῆρχεν
were
G5225
ὑπῆρχεν
were
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
8 of 22
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρώτῳ
of the chief man
G4413
πρώτῳ
of the chief man
Strong's:
G4413
Word #:
11 of 22
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματι
whose name was
G3686
ὀνόματι
whose name was
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
14 of 22
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Ποπλίῳ
Publius
G4196
Ποπλίῳ
Publius
Strong's:
G4196
Word #:
15 of 22
apparently "popular"; poplius (i.e., publius), a roman
ὃς
who
G3739
ὃς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
16 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἡμέρας
days
G2250
ἡμέρας
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
20 of 22
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
Historical Context
Malta was under Roman jurisdiction as part of the province of Sicily. Publius held the official Latin title 'primus,' confirmed by inscriptions discovered on Malta. Roman officials were expected to provide hospitality to stranded travelers, but Publius' generosity exceeded mere duty for three days of hosting this massive group.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Publius' generosity challenge your hospitality toward unexpected guests?
- Where do you see God preparing hearts through non-believers' kindness?
Analysis & Commentary
In the same quarters were possessions (χωρία)—estates or landed property—of the chief man of the island (τῷ πρώτῳ τῆς νήσου), using 'prōtos' (first/foremost), likely the Roman governor or highest-ranking official. Whose name was Publius—a Latin praenomen suggesting Roman citizenship and authority. Archaeological evidence confirms 'First Man' as Malta's official title for its governor. Who received us, and lodged us three days courteously (φιλοφρόνως ἐξένισεν)—the adverb 'philophronōs' emphasizes gracious, warm hospitality beyond duty. Publius hosted 276 shipwreck survivors, displaying remarkable generosity. This pagan official's kindness exceeds many professing believers', preparing hearts for Paul's ministry.