17
Then the sailors bound ropes around the hull of the ship to strengthen it. They were afraid of being driven across to the sandbars of Syrtis off the African coast, so they lowered the sea anchor to slow the ship and were driven before the wind.
18
The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard.
19
The following day they even took some of the ship’s gear and threw it overboard.
20
The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.
21
No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss.
22
But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down.
23
For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me,
24
and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’
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So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.