The beloved physician Luke wrote how he, Paul, and others with him were shipwrecked and swam to “the island” that “was called Melita. And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse seven of the book of Acts Luke shared about a man named “Publius” where we read:
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.
The verse begins, “In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius;” Luke began with the words, “In the same quarters were possessions” which means “in the selfsame place, city, village or district existed the fields, land and region” “of the chief man” or “belonging to the male human being who was first in rank, influence and honor” “of the island” which means “belonging to the islet or piece of land surrounded by water”, “whose name was Publius” or “who was known and called Publius which means popular and was the chief magistrate of the island of Melita”. Luke referred to the places and locations belonging to a man named “Publius” who was the “chief magistrate” on the island of Melita.
The verse goes on to say, “who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.” Luke continued with the words, “who received us” which means “Publius entertained hospitably and accepted Luke, Paul and the others who were rescued from the ship, “and lodged us three days” or “and allowed those from the ship to be guests for three sunrises to sunsets” “courteously” which means “in a kind and friendly manner”. Luke shared how “Publius” extended hospitality to the men who were from the ship and allowed them to stay with him for three sunrises to sunsets.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn about the man who was the “chief magistrate” upon the island of “Melita”. This man, “Publius”, received all the men from the ship and allowed them to “lodge” with him for three “days”. We shall see how this works in “Publius'” favor in our next few verses, but for now, let us be mindful that God has people all over the world that He uses for His purposes of sharing the gospel of His Son Jesus Christ. God loves everyone, and He knew unless someone died in their place because of those sins, they would be eternally separated from Him. He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross so that every person who believes and trusts in Him will be forgiven of their sins. He raised Jesus from the dead three days later and provided the promise of everlasting life to everyone who surrenders to Him. Those who are wise carefully examine this story of “Publius” and realize, God was using him to promote salvation through His Son.
Next time Luke shares how, “the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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