Paul had no fears for himself; he felt assured that he would not be swallowed up by the hungry waters. God would preserve his life, that he might witness for the truth at Rome. But his human heart yearned with pity for the poor souls around him. Sinful and degraded as they were, they were unprepared to die, and he earnestly pleaded with God to spare their lives. It was revealed to him that his prayer was granted. When there was a lull in the tempest, so that his voice could be heard, he stood forth on the deck and said:—{LP 266.2}

Paulus var ikke bange for sig selv; han følte sig sikker på at han ikke ville opsluges af de hungrende vande. Gud ville redde hans liv, så han måtte være vidne for sandheden i Rom. Men hans menneskehjerte længtes efter medynk for de stakkels sjæle omkring ham. Syndige og fornedrede som de er, var de ikke beredt til at dø, og han gik i alvorlig forbøn for Gud om at spare deres liv. Det blev åbenbaret for ham at hans bønner blev tilstået. Hvor der var ophold i stormvejret, og hans røst kunne høres, stod han frem på dækket og sagde: -