Acts 27:34Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Therefore he continues: "I urge you to take food, for this is for your preservation." That is, take food so that you do not die of hunger.

Paul began to eat so that he would not die of hunger. Yet he gave thanks to God for what had happened. "And taking bread, he gave thanks to God." The rite of the Eucharist teaches us to say the same: "We thank Thee, O God, that Thou hast counted us worthy..."

Yet Paul's words inspired trust in him and encouragement in only a few on the ship, and least of all in the sailors. Therefore, after fourteen days of stormy sailing, signs appeared that the ship was approaching some shore.

They then wanted to escape from the ship by means of the boat. They hoped that if the ship were broken against the shore, they would not perish with the others.

Pretending that they wanted to cast anchors from the bow, they began to lower the boat into the sea. But Paul perceived their intention and told the centurion that, if the ship were left without sailors, salvation would be impossible.

Then the soldiers cut the ropes of the boat. After this it fell away and was driven by the waves from the ship.

"Not a hair will perish from your head." This too is an intensified expression, assuring them that they will remain whole and unharmed. Therefore they must take courage and strengthen themselves with food.

In urging his companions to eat, the Apostle Paul shows tender care for them. At the same time he tries to strengthen them, for bread strengthens the heart of man (cf. Ps 103:15). They had not eaten for two weeks.

Therefore, together with the exhaustion of the body, their hearts had also grown faint. It is different when people do not eat voluntarily, abstaining for the Lord's sake. Then spirit, soul, and body are joined in harmonious service to God.

This wholly fills those who fast, for they are then spiritually nourished. The Gentile sailors could not even have desired such a fast. They fasted because of despair.

And so the Apostle, calming them, says that they will not only remain whole, but that not a hair from anyone's head will perish, apart from the will of God.