Lexical Summary Poplios: Publius Original Word: Πόπλιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Publius. Of Latin origin; apparently "popular"; Poplius (i.e. Publius), a Roman -- Publius. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition Publius, an inhab. of Malta NASB Translation Publius (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4196: ΠόπλιοςΠόπλιος, Ποπλίου, ὁ, Publius (a Roman name), the name of a chief magistrate ((Greek ὁ 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.” 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. Lessons for Christian Life and Ministry • Practice generous hospitality; it often precedes spiritual openness (Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9). 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 PoplíouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 28:7 N-DMSGRK: 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 Strong's Greek 4196 |
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