Acts 28:8

“And it came to pass that the father of Publius, etc.] So that Publius was not an old man, though of so much dignity and wealth: the Arabic version, contrary to all copies, and other versions, reads, “the son of Publius”: lay sick of a fever; or fevers, of different sorts, a complication of them, which sometimes is the case; unless this was an intermitting fever, and the several fits of it are intended; or rather the plural number is put for the singular, to denote the vehemence of it, and which was attended with another disorder, and might be brought on by it: and of a bloody flux; or dysentery, a pain of the bowels, as the Syriac version renders it; or an ulceration of the bowels, as the…”

“the father of Publius lay sick of a fever--"fevers." The word was often thus used in the plural number, probably to express recurring attacks. and of a bloody flux--"of dysentery." (The medical accuracy of our historian's style has been observed here.) to whom Paul entered in, and prayed--thereby precluding the supposition that any charm resided in himself. and laid his hands on him, and healed him--Thus, as our Lord rewarded Peter for the use of his boat (Luk 5:3-4, &c.), so Paul richly repays Publius for his hospitality. Observe the fulfilment here of two things predicted in Mar 16:18 --the "taking up serpents," and "recovering of the sick by laying hands on them."”

“A bloody flux - Greek: dysentery. And laid his hands on him ... - In accordance with the promise of the Saviour, Mark 16:18. This miracle was a suitable return for the hospitality of Publius, and would serve to conciliate further the kindness of the people, and prepare the way for Paul’s usefulness. return to 'Top of Page'”

“28:8-9 Cp. Luke 4:38-40.”

“the father: Mar 1:30, Mar 1:31 prayed: Act 9:40; Kg1 17:20-22; Jam 5:14-16 laid: Act 9:17, Act 9:18, Act 19:11, Act 19:12; Mat 9:18; Mar 6:5, Mar 7:32, Mar 16:18; Luk 4:40, Luk 13:13 and healed: Mat 10:1, Mat 10:8; Luk 9:1-3, Luk 10:8, Luk 10:9; Co1 12:9, Co1 12:28 Acts 28:9”