8. the father of Publius lay sick of a fever--"fevers." The word was often thus used in the plural number, probably to express recurring attacks.
      and of a bloody flux--"of dysentery." (The medical accuracy of our historian's style has been observed here.)
      to whom Paul entered in, and prayed--thereby precluding the supposition that any charm resided in himself.
      and laid his hands on him, and healed him--Thus, as our Lord rewarded Peter for the use of his boat (Lu 5:3, 4, &c.), so Paul richly repays Publius for his hospitality. Observe the fulfilment here of two things predicted in Mr 16:18 --the "taking up serpents," and "recovering of the sick by laying hands on them."

JFB.