After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along.
They fled a mere inconvenience and ran straight into mischief, as we often do. The harbor was bleak in winter, yes, but better to be safe in an uncomfortable haven than lost in a tempestuous sea. God's wisdom provided both the waters to sail on and the natural harbors to shelter in.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 27:12-20
Which when they had taken up,.... When they had got the boat into the ship: they used helps; the mariners made use of other persons, called in the assistance of the soldiers, and passengers, and prisoners; or for the help of the ship, they made use of cords, chains, and such like things: undergirding the ship: with cords and ropes, which they drew under the...
Verse 17. Which when they had taken up. When they had raised up the boat into the ship, so as to secure it. They used helps. They used ropes, cables, stays, or chains, for the purpose of securing the ship. The danger was, that the ship would be destroyed; and they, therefore, made use of such aids as should prevent the loss of the ship. Undergirding the ship.