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1. By casting off the boat — the apparent means of safety — true safety in this case was secured. Thus many a soul is saved by giving up what it may have once esteemed most precious.

2. By assuming command, Paul on this occasion saved his companions. Let not the Christian shrink from taking the lead, when he can thereby bring others unto safety.

3. By partaking of food at such a time, Paul showed that eating may sometimes become a duty. God takes good care of our souls — He wants us to take good care of our bodies.

4. By giving thanks before he broke bread, on this occasion, Paul showed that there is always time to ask a blessing before even the most hurried meal. If we have time to eat at all, we have time to ask God's blessing on what we eat. At the worst, bodily dyspepsia is better than spiritual dyspepsia.

5. By trusting Paul, the ship's company was saved. By trusting Paul's Saviour, we may be saved. If we sail with Christ, and abide with Christ, we shall not see death. Because He lives, we shall live also.

6. By stopping when they bad "eaten enough," Paul's companions showed their good sense. By not stopping when they have eaten enough, many Christians show their bad sense of how to use God's blessings.

7. By casting overboard what they did not need, Paul's companions set a wise example of self-restriction. If to eat is a duty, to stop eating may become a duty. Even throw away the bodily supplies, if need be, that the soul may not suffer.

(S. S. Times.)

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KJV: Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

WEB: Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat, and let it fall off.