16
As we passed into the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with strenuous effort to get control of the lifeboat.
17
They hoisted it aboard, then fastened cables tightly around the ship itself to reinforce it. Fearing they might run aground on the Syrtis sandbars, they lowered the topsails and thus continued drifting.
18
But because we were fighting such heavy weather, the next day they began to jettison nonessentials;
19
and the third day, they threw the ship's sailing equipment overboard with their own hands.
20
For many days neither the sun nor the stars appeared, while the storm continued to rage, until gradually all hope of survival vanished.
21
It was then, when they had gone a long time without eating, that Sha'ul stood up in front of them and said, "You should have listened to me and not set out from Crete; if you had, you would have escaped this disastrous loss.
22
But now, my advice to you is to take heart; because not one of you will lose his life - only the ship will be lost.
23
For this very night, there stood next to me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve.
24
He said, 'Don't be afraid, Sha'ul! you have to stand before the Emperor. Look! God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.'
25
So, men, take heart! For I trust God and believe that what I have been told will come true.
26
Nevertheless, we have to run aground on some island."