25
"Therefore, Sirs, take courage; for I believe God, and am convinced that things will happen exactly as I have been told.
26
But we are to be stranded on a certain island."
27
It was now the fourteenth night, and we were drifting through the Sea of Adria, when, about midnight, the sailors suspected that land was close at hand.
28
So they hove the lead and found twenty fathoms of water; and after a short time they hove again and found fifteen fathoms.
29
Then for fear of possibly running on rocks, they threw out four anchors from the stern and waited impatiently for daylight.
30
The sailors, however, wanted to make their escape from the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they were going to lay out anchors from the bow.
31
But Paul, addressing Julius and the soldiers, said, "Your lives will be sacrificed, unless these men remain on board."
32
Then the soldiers cut the ropes of the ship's boat and let her fall off.
33
And continually, up till daybreak, Paul kept urging all on board to take some food. "This is the fourteenth day," he said, "that you have been anxiously waiting for the storm to cease, and have fasted, eating little or nothing.
34
I therefore strongly advise you to take some food. This is essential for your safety. For not a hair will perish from the head of any one of you."
35
Having said this he took some bread, and, after giving thanks to God for it before them all, he broke it in pieces and began to eat it.