Acts 28:8

Acts 28:8. Lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux. He was suffering, in fact, from dysentery, attended with fever. We meet here with another of the fantastic objections which have been brought against the identification of Melita. It has been contended that dysentery is never found in Malta. It might be enough to reply that changes in the natural condition of a country involve changes in regard to human health; but it happens that the writer of the present note has been by the bedside of a friend suffering from dysentery in Malta. The use of the plural πυρετοι ͂ ς is an instance of the accuracy of St. Luke's professional language. The fever fits of Publius were intermittent. It may be added that κατε ́ κειτο is the word which would naturally be used of a patient in such a condition (see Luke 5:25).

Entered in, and prayed. He followed the same course as St. Peter in the case of Tabitha (Acts 9:40). The miraculous power was granted to the apostles on occasion; and here we see it exercised in conjunction with prayer, in virtue of that faith which ‘removes mountains.'

Laid hands on him and healed him. This is a second specimen of the fulfilment of part of the promise given in Mark 16:18.