John Calvin 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)

And in those places. Because this name, Publius, is a Roman name, I suspect that this man, of whom mention is made, was a citizen of Rome rather than born on the island. For the Greeks and other foreigners were not accustomed to borrow their names from the Latins unless they were men of little renown.

And it may be that some of the noblemen of Rome came then to see his possessions, and he is called the chief man of the island, not because he lived there, but because no one could compare with him in wealth and possessions. And it is hardly probable that the entire multitude of Greeks was lodged there for three days.

I rather think that when he entertained the centurion, he also honored Paul and his companions because, prompted by the miracle, he believed that Paul was a man beloved by God.

However that may be, his hospitality was not unrewarded. For shortly afterward, the Lord restored his father to health by the hand of Paul, who was indeed sick with a dangerous disease.

And by this, God intended to show how greatly the courtesy shown to people in misery and to strangers pleases Him. Although those who are helped may be unmindful and unthankful for the benefit they have received, or they may not be able to repay those who have done good to them, yet God Himself will abundantly restore to people whatever they have given at His command. Moreover, He has sometimes appointed some of His servants, who bring a blessing with them, to those who are merciful and practice hospitality.

This was a great honor, in that Publius lodged Christ in the person of Paul. Nevertheless, this was added as a surplus, because Paul came endowed with the gift of healing, so that he might not only repay Publius’s courtesy but also give more than he had received.

Also, we do not know whether he learned the first principles of faith, as miracles for the most part win the uninstructed and unbelievers to faith. Luke mentions the kind of disease so that he may better set forth the grace of God. For since it is a difficult matter to cure dysentery, especially when a fever is joined with it, the old man was cured so suddenly, only by the laying on of hands and prayer, not without the manifest power of God.