But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
Paul stands forth among them not as a prisoner but as their counselor and comforter, rescuing them first from despair, for a man will starve himself in despair sooner than any storm can drown him. He assures them in God's name that all their lives shall be saved, and this word pulls them back from the grave when human hope is utterly gone.
AI summary
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.