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.
36
This raised the spirits of all, and they too took food.
37
There were 276 of us, crew and passengers, all told.
38
After eating a hearty meal they lightened the ship by throwing the wheat overboard.
39
When daylight came, they tried in vain to recognise the coast. But an inlet with a sandy beach attracted their attention, and now their object was, if possible, to run the ship aground in this inlet.
40
So they cut away the anchors and left them in the sea, unloosing at the same time the bands which secured the paddle-rudders. Then, hoisting the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach.
41
But coming to a place where two seas met, they stranded the ship, and her bow sticking fast remained immovable, while the stern began to go to pieces under the heavy hammering of the sea.