Each successive appearance of Paul in the voyage narrative moves him more to the center. As the key to the physical survival of all on board, he encourages these who because of constant suspense (anxious expectation; compare Lk 21:26) have not gone to the galley to prepare a meal for a fortnight (they may have nibbled, however, on their own supplies—Williams 1985:438). He urges them to gather strength for the final push to shore by taking a meal. Again he uses salvation terminology: You need it to survive (literally, "This is for your salvation"). His reassurance comes in the form of a proverbial saying present in the Old Testament and Jesus' teaching: Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head (1 Sam 14:45; 2 Sam 14:11; 1 Kings 1:52; Lk 21:18). So certain is physical rescue under divine providence that not even a hair—the most easily detachable part of the human body—will be lost in the process.

Paul matches words with actions: he took some bread and gave thanks to God. . . . Then he broke it and began to eat. We should not doubt that Luke wants us to understand that Paul eats here with eucharistic intent (Lk 22:15-20; 24:30-31, 35; Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7, 11). Originally the words of institution probably bracketed everyday meals of the believers, so the sanctifying giving of thanks and inaugural breaking of bread took on a kerygmatic significance in combination with Jesus' words, "This is my body given for you." Paul could have done this here, but to what effect? This is the climax of this acted parable, in which physical salvation by divine providence, mediated by the wisdom and guidance of God's apostle, points to the spiritual salvation of which this apostle is also a messenger. To those who "just don't get it," Paul is simply being prudent—eating food in thankfulness and confidence. But to those who hear the Lord's death proclaimed until he comes, Paul's eucharistic example leads to the open secret of the apostle's life: faith in Christ's saving work.

The ship's company are encouraged. They turn away from their anxious, despairing vigil (27:20) and regain sufficient heart to take food. Indeed, all 276 on board eat their fill (Lk 9:17) and then set about final preparations for approaching the shore. The precious cargo of grain, which has served as ballast in the storm, would now prevent them from running aground as high on the shore as possible. So they begin to jettison it. The effect of Paul's encouragement and eucharistic example demonstrates the power of one who has determined to be "salt and light," as well as a witness, to those around him.