But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land,
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
And the rest, some on boards,.... Doors, tables, planks, or any such like things: and some on broken pieces of the ship; or what came from it, as masts, beams, &c. and so it came to pass that they escaped all safe to land; not one was lost, as Paul had foretold.
Verse 43. But the centurion, willing to save Paul. He had at first been disposed to treat Paul with kindness, . And his conduct on board the ship; the wisdom of his advice, ; the prudence of his conduct in the agitation and danger of the tempest; and not improbably the belief that he was under the Divine protection and blessing, disposed him to spare his life.