A bloody flux; a painful and dangerous disease; the torment in the bowels frequently causing a fever. And prayed; Paul could do nothing of himself, and therefore begs of God the recovery of Publius's father. It is God only that kills and makes alive, 1 Samuel 2:6. Laid his hands on him; this imposition of hands was commonly used in miraculous cures, as Matthew 9:18 Mark 6:5; and is joined with prayer, Matthew 19:13, which it might be a symbol of. Thus Publius was well paid for what he did for Paul and his company. Relieving of the poor and distressed is frequently rewarded in this world, and not only in the world to come. And God now recommends the gospel and the ministry of Paul by this miracle also: for none could do such things as these, unless God were with him.
Related Commentaries of Acts 28:8
Acts 28:8
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.