4196. Poplios
Lexical Summary
Poplios: Publius

Original Word: Πόπλιος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Poplios
Pronunciation: POP-lee-os
Phonetic Spelling: (pop'-lee-os)
KJV: Publius
NASB: Publius
Word Origin: [of Latin origin]

1. apparently "popular"
2. Poplius (i.e. Publius), a Roman

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Publius.

Of Latin origin; apparently "popular"; Poplius (i.e. Publius), a Roman -- Publius.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of Latin origin
Definition
Publius, an inhab. of Malta
NASB Translation
Publius (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4196: Πόπλιος

Πόπλιος, Ποπλίου, , Publius (a Roman name), the name of a chief magistrate ((Greek πρῶτος) but see Dr. Woolsey's addition to the article 'Publius' in B. D. (American edition)) of the island of Melita; nothing more is known of him: Acts 28:7, 8.

Topical Lexicon
Name and Role in Scripture

Poplius (Latin: Publius) appears as the leading civic authority on the island of Malta when the apostle Paul and his companions were shipwrecked there on their voyage to Rome (Acts 28:1–10). Luke describes him as “the chief official of the island” (archón tēs nēsou) and the owner of an estate near the place where the survivors came ashore.

Occurrences in the New Testament

Acts 28:7 – “Nearby stood an estate belonging to the chief official of the island, named Poplius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days.”
Acts 28:8 – “The father of Poplius was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after praying, placed his hands on him and healed him.”

Together these two verses present Poplius as host, recipient of apostolic ministry, and conduit through whom the gospel gains public favor on Malta.

Historical and Cultural Setting

Malta (Melite) lay strategically in the central Mediterranean and was under Roman jurisdiction. The title Luke uses for Poplius (Greek archon; Latin praefectus or leading man) denotes the highest-ranking Roman representative on the island, probably appointed by the governor of Sicily. His possession of a sizable rural estate indicates considerable wealth and status, consistent with the Roman equestrian class. In such positions, local elites often served as patrons, providing hospitality and order in exchange for honor and influence.

Theological and Ministerial Significance

1. Divine Providence and Mission Progress. The storm, shipwreck, and unexpected hospitality illustrate the sovereignty of God in advancing the gospel (compare Genesis 50:20; Philippians 1:12). What seemed a delay in Paul’s journey becomes a platform for ministry and witness.
2. Hospitality as a Means of Grace. Poplius models the virtue commended throughout Scripture: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:2). His openness provides for the physical needs of 276 survivors and facilitates spiritual blessing for the island.
3. Apostolic Healing and Gospel Authentication. Paul’s prayer and laying on of hands bring immediate healing to Poplius’s father, which leads to many islanders seeking and receiving healing as well (Acts 28:9). The event echoes Jesus’ healing ministry (Luke 4:38–40) and demonstrates that the risen Christ continues to act through His servants.
4. Favor with Authorities. Luke repeatedly portrays civil leaders responding positively to the gospel or its messengers (for example, Sergius Paulus in Acts 13:7, Gallio in Acts 18:12–17). Poplius’s support exemplifies God granting Paul favor in the eyes of governing powers, fulfilling promises such as Proverbs 16:7.

Lessons for Christian Life and Ministry

• Practice generous hospitality; it often precedes spiritual openness (Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9).
• Trust God’s providence in disruptions; detours can become divine appointments.
• Exercise prayer and faith for the sick; God still confirms His word with acts of mercy (James 5:14–16).
• Engage respectfully with civic leaders; their goodwill can protect and advance gospel witness (1 Timothy 2:1–4).

Later Christian Tradition

Second-century sources (e.g., Acts of Peter, early Maltese tradition) identify Poplius as the first bishop of Malta and a martyr under Emperor Trajan. While not canonical, these accounts reflect the enduring impact attributed to Paul’s brief Malta ministry and suggest that Poplius embraced the faith he witnessed. The ancient cathedral at Mdina (Malta) is dedicated to Saint Publius, and his feast day is observed on January 21 in the Western Church and March 13 in the Eastern Church.

Related Scriptures for Study

Genesis 24:31; 2 Kings 4:8–10; Proverbs 3:3–4; Luke 7:1–10; John 13:20; Acts 10:1–48; Romans 15:7; 3 John 5–8.

Forms and Transliterations
Ποπλιου Ποπλίου Ποπλιω Ποπλίῳ Poplio Popliō Poplíoi Poplíōi Popliou Poplíou
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 28:7 N-DMS
GRK: νήσου ὀνόματι Ποπλίῳ ὃς ἀναδεξάμενος
NAS: named Publius, who
KJV: whose name was Publius; who
INT: island by name Publius who having received

Acts 28:8 N-GMS
GRK: πατέρα τοῦ Ποπλίου πυρετοῖς καὶ
NAS: that the father of Publius was lying
KJV: that the father of Publius lay
INT: father of Publius fevers and

Strong's Greek 4196
2 Occurrences


Ποπλίῳ — 1 Occ.
Ποπλίου — 1 Occ.

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