Bible Dictionaries
Publius

Easton's Bible Dictionary

"The chief man of the island" of Malta (Acts 28:7 ), who courteously entertained Paul and his shipwrecked companions for three days, till they found a more permanent place of residence; for they remained on the island for three months, till the stormy season had passed. The word here rendered "chief man" (protos) is supposed by some to be properly a Maltese term, the official title of the governor.

Bibliography Information
Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Publius'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ebd/​p/publius.html. 1897.