Acts 28:7
What does Acts 28:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 28:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 28:7 means
Lands near the site belong to Publius, the island’s leading figure. He welcomes and hosts Paul and his companions for three days with courtesy. God turns a crisis into favor from those in authority. This hospitality, far from mere protocol, becomes a conduit for God’s mercy, since it brings Paul into contact with Publius’s family need. The chief man’s kindness is noteworthy given the survivors’ status as shipwrecked strangers. Luke shows how God’s providence arranges relationships at just the right time, linking the apostle’s presence to a household where a significant healing will display God’s compassion and confirm the messenger before the island’s people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611In 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now near that place there was some land, the property of the chief man of the island, who was named Publius; who very kindly took us into his house as his guests for three days.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And 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 <FI>us<Fi> ;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now in these places were possessions of the chief man of the island, named Publius: who, receiving us for three days, entertained us courteously.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now in the country surrounding that place were the lands belonging to the chief man of the island, by name Publius, who received us and gave [us] hospitality three days in a very friendly way.
Context
The change in public perception after the snakebite (vv. 4–6) leads into tangible welcome from the island’s leader. Verse 7 establishes Publius’s role and his generous reception. This sets the immediate occasion for verse 8, where Paul visits Publius’s father and God works a notable healing. That individual mercy will ripple outward in verse 9 as many others come for help, culminating in public honor and provision for the travelers in verse 10.
v.6But they expected that he would have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but when they were long in expectation and beheld nothing amiss come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
v.7This passage
v.8And 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 23:24
and he bade them provide beasts, that they might set Paul thereon, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
- Luke 19:6
And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
- Acts 18:12
But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment-seat,
- Matthew 10:40
He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
- Acts 13:7
who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. The same called unto him Barnabas and Saul, and sought to hear the word of God.
- Acts 28:2
And the barbarians showed us no common kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
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