Acts 28:7-10 7Now around that place were lands belonging to the chief of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us three days and received us as guests hospitably. 8And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery, and when Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, he healed him. 9And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had sicknesses also came and were cured. 10And they honored us with many honors, and when we were about to set sail, they put the things for our needs.
The next episode in the journey continues to confirm God’s presence with Paul as he was escorted to Rome by the centurion Julius, with Luke apparently tagging along, and Aristarchus may have still been part of the team. Luke witnessed all the details he included in the trip. The wrecked crew and passengers were in a desperate situation, having lost everything except their lives. Fortunately, there was a kind chief on the island named Publius who showed hospitality to the group for three days. Verse 7 raises several unanswered questions, such as, did Publius host all 276 people? Who is included in the we of this verse? Was this only key people like the centurion, Paul, and Luke? Whatever the case, Publius’ hospitality was an aspect of God’s providential care, which is evidenced in the next part of the story.
The father of Publius was sick with what we might call today a form of the flu, with fever and loose bowels. In the ancient world, this type of condition could be deadly. Something special happened during the three days when Paul and others were being hosted by Publius. There is no doubt that Paul and other believers witnessed to their faith in Jesus. At some point, Paul said he would like to pray for Publius’ father. When Paul laid his hand on prayed, the father was healed.
Laying hands on someone and praying was a symbolic way of anointing and seeking God’s presence. Jesus often laid his hands on people to heal them, but not always. Sometimes, he only spoke the word. There is nothing magical about physical touching to heal someone. Laying hands on someone in prayer is an outward act symbolizing a believer’s faith. It shows a connection between the person praying and the one in need. It lets the recipient know of the care, loving, and concern of the one praying. It should be done carefully and prayerfully, as Paul later instructed Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:22.
Publius’ father was healed when Paul prayed for him, which made a big impression on the inhabitants of the island. Many others came and asked Paul to pray for them, and God answered Paul’s prayers. That God was present with Paul was obvious. Two clear results occurred, and a third is implied. First, Paul and other believers were honored. Unlike in Lystra, where Paul and Barnabas were proclaimed gods for healing a lame man (14:11-12), there is no reference here to the Malteans calling Paul divine. This omission could have been due to Paul’s careful preaching and attributing everything to God’s glory. Paul most likely prayed in Jesus’ name, thus pointing to the power of Jesus that was at work on the island.
Second, the people showed their thanks for their healing by provisioning for the final leg of the journey. The Roman soldiers found another ship bound for Italy three months later, after the dangers of winter had passed (verse 11). The third result is implied in the broad narrative and is how God was watching over Paul on this difficult journey. Even in the midst of uncertainty, Paul continued his witness for Jesus, and for that, he was blessed by people who served as God’s instruments of care and protection. Paul had received a messenger from an angel that he would go to Rome and bear witness there, and God was fulfilling that plan. Paul had a part in his faith and obedience, and God’s grace was the sustaining force.