Page 76 - acts_study_book4

Act 28:7 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.

In the same quarters (neighborhood, area) were possessions (estates, castles) of the chief man
(protos: governor, ruler) of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged
us three days courteously.

This is a Roman man. He officiates over this island as a Roman possession. He is rich and has a
large estate. Paul’s team spends three days on the estate in the castle. This is a good leader
over a good island of people. He and all of his people are courteous.

Act 28:8 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.

And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick (“and dying [Greek]) of a fever (puretos:
on fire, inflamed) and of a bloody flux (dusenteria: dysentery; dus: dangerous; enteria:
intestines): to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

Publius’ father is bleeding from the rectum. Paul does not pray “for him,” he just prays. He
hears the Holy Spirit, then lays hands on him, and the man is healed by God through Paul. This
opens the entire island to the gospel.
Act 28:9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came
and were healed.

So when this was done (ginomai: came to pass, came into being), others also, which had
diseases (astheneia: all kinds of diseases, infirmity, sickness, weakness) in the island, came, and
were healed:

The healing power of the Lord is demonstrated to show that God is no respecter of persons.
Many probably think Paul will heal the governor’s father, but not them. Paul shows God’s
mercy is toward all.

28:8-9 Paul’s Healing Ministry in Malta, DIVINE HEALING. Here is a reference to divine
healings in spite of the fact that Luke, a physician, accompanied Paul. This fact is so
troublesome to critics of modern healing that some have come forth with the theory
that the healings mentioned in verse 9 were the work of Luke who used medical
remedies, although Luke is not mentioned by name. The theory is based on the use of
therapeuo, the Greek word for “healing” (verse eight), which some insist refers to
medical therapy.

In fact, however, this word occurs 34 times in the NT. In 32 instances it clearly refers to
divine healings; and the other cases the use is general. Both words (iaomai and
therapeuo) are used in references to the same healing in Matthew 8:7-8, indicating the
terms are used interchangeably in the Bible.