So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go. Acts 27:28-32
Having been at sea for two weeks (v.27), the ship was nearing land (v.28). The first depth measurement was 120 feet. The second was 90 feet. Fearing they might run the ship aground, the sailors let down four anchors (probably all there were)to avoid crashing into the rocks (v.29). All aboard prayed for day to come!
Since the weather and high seas were not letting up, and since they were likely within a quarter mile from the shore, some, most, or all the sailors, were planning to jump overboard and swim for it. But Paul spoke up again, this time assuring those wanting to flee that their only hope of survival was to remain on board the ship (v.31). Likely because Paul’s counsel had proven to be correct twice before, those in charge opted to heed Paul’s words.
As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you." And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) Acts 27:33-37
In case you hadn’t wondered about the size of this ship, it was big enough for 276 people, plus cargo. In the morning, when apparently the weather has calmed a bit, Paul presided over a meal—that began with prayer and thanksgiving. Though the message of the gospel begins with doom, it ends with the declaration that survival is only in faith in Christ alone. And though we must declare the “bad news,” the “good news” is so sweet. May we be gracious in declaring it!