Charles Ellicott Commentary Acts 28:7

"Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us, and entertained us three days courteously." — Acts 28:7 (ASV)

The chief man of the island.—Literally, the first man. The term is found in both Greek and Latin inscriptions at Malta from the time of Augustus, as an official title. It probably designated the prefect or governor of the island, as distinct from the procurator. In the time of Cicero (In Verr. iv. 18), Melita was included in the “province” of Sicily, and if that arrangement continued, Publius would have been the “legate” of the Sicilian proconsul. The Latin name aligns with the supposition that he held some office of this kind.

Lodged us three days courteously.—We can hardly think of Publius's hospitality as extended to all two hundred and seventy-six who had been on board. The omission of the word “all,” which we find in Acts 28:2, probably indicates a limitation to a chosen few, among whom St. Paul and St. Luke, and, most likely, the centurion Julius, were included. It is implied that after the three days, they found lodging for themselves. The word “courteously” expresses kindliness of feeling rather than of manner.