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The crew used ropes and hoists to strengthen the hull of the ship so it will not drift apart if
broken. When this is completed, they take down the main sails and put up a small storm sail
allowing the ship to be taken by the wind. They will hold on for their lives for the next two
weeks as the ship is blown over 480 miles across the open sea from Crete to Miletus. The wind
will now blow them parallel to the sandbars directly west toward Italy.

Act 27:18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the
ship.

Act 27:19 On the third day we threw the ship's tackle overboard with our own hands.

Now the passengers are unloading the ship. This is the machinery on deck for the functioning
of the ship. Apparently, the ship is leaking from the pressure on the mainsail and the frapping
equipment was no longer needed. The captain’s objective is just to remain afloat.

Act 27:20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat
on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.

Because of the storm, the passengers and crew have not seen the sun for almost 11 days and
have become despondent. This storm is not only furious, it continues for many days beyond
any normal storm known in the Mediterranean. All hope is gone, and everyone resigns
themselves to die. Also, the food supply has been depleted which adds to the misery.
Act 27:21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said,
"Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this
disaster and loss.

But after long abstinence (no food) Paul stood forth (up) in the midst of them (crew,
passengers, captain/owner), and said, Sirs (anhr: noblemen), ye should have hearkened (taken
my advice) unto me, and not have loosed (set sail) from Crete, and to have gained this harm (to
passengers) and loss (to cargo).

Paul is establishing his credibility as a prophet. The captain will listen to him from this time
forward. He is not saying “I told you so,” but letting him know if he had been right before, he
would be right again. Paul’s commands will be responsible for the saving of the people though
the ship will be destroyed.

Act 27:22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only
of the ship.

And now I exhort (advise) you to be of good cheer (be encouraged): for there shall be no loss of
any man’s life among you, but of the ship.

Paul encourages everyone to “be of good cheer.” These are the same words the Lord spoke to
Paul when he was discouraged in the Roman prison (23:11). Paul will give them a word from
the Lord to once again restore hope (verse 20).