# Day 359

# Shipwrecked on Malta

Acts 27:39–44

It was just before dawn on the storm-tossed ship. “We’ve not eaten for two weeks,” said Paul. “Please, have some food. It will help you to survive.” Everyone watched Paul. He took bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, and began to eat. Then all 276 people in the ship took food. Everyone ate and was satisfied. Then they threw the wheat into the sea. This made the ship float higher in the water.

When daylight broke, they could see land. There was a bay with a beach. “Run the ship aground at that beach,” ordered the captain. Anchors were cast off into the sea. Steering oars were untied, ready to use. The foresail was raised, and they made for the beach. But before the ship hit the sand, it struck an underwater reef. The vessel was stuck. Its stern, pounded by waves, broke up. Danger was all around.

The soldiers said, “Let’s kill the prisoners or they’ll escape.” But Julius wanted to save Paul and wouldn’t allow this.

“If you can swim, jump overboard!” ordered the captain. The others came ashore floating on pieces of the ship. Everyone was brought safely to land.

Questions: What did Paul do before he ate? Why wouldn’t Julius let the soldiers kill the prisoners?

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