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.
35. He took bread. That he may the better encourage them, by his own example, he taketh bread and eateth. Luke saith that he gave thanks, not only according to his daily custom, but because that served greatly to testify his boldness and good confidence.
We have here the issue of the distress of Paul and his fellow-travellers; they escaped with their lives and that was all, and that was for Paul's sake. We are here told (Act 27:37) what number there were on board - mariners, merchants, soldiers, prisoners, and other passengers, in all two hundred and seventy-six souls; this is taken notice of to make us the more...
Commenting on Acts 27:21-44
Then were they all of good cheer,.... Encouraged by the apostle's words and example: and they all took some meat; and made a comfortable meal, which they had not done for fourteen days past.