# It happened that the father of Publius ... fever and dysentery

This is background information about Publius' father that is important to understanding the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background]])

# was lying afflicted

"was in bed, ill"

# afflicted with a fever and dysentery

Dysentery is an infectious disease of the intestines.

# placed his hands on him

"touched him with his hands"

