Acts 28:7
In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
Publius was the chief man of Melita, that is the island, and he received Paul and his companions, the shipwrecked company, and courteously lodged them for three days. Those three days fell within the three months the ship's company remained at Melita, when Paul and his fellow laborers used many opportunities to preach the gospel and the Lord worked through them in a remarkable manner. His welcome was part of the kindness shown during the stay, when the islanders supplied all the company's wants, and it began that period of provision.
For Paul's sake the whole company was treated with great kindness. On leaving Melita they were liberally provided with everything needful for the voyage.
The stay fulfilled God's special purpose for Paul's sea journey, so that the heathen on the island would hear the name of Jesus and many would be converted through Paul's teaching and the miracles they witnessed, the ship's crew would witness God's power through Paul, and Paul's bonds would spread the knowledge of Christ and glorify God.