Paul boards a ship as a prisoner under the supervision of a Roman centurion named Julius. After several stages of travel, the voyage becomes difficult because seasonal winds are working against the ship.

Paul warns that continuing will bring serious loss, but the decision is made to sail on in hopes of reaching a better harbor for the winter.

A violent northeaster strikes. The crew can no longer control the ship and eventually allows it to be driven by the storm. They secure the vessel, throw cargo and equipment overboard, and endure many days without seeing sun or stars.

Hope of survival begins to disappear. Paul then stands among those aboard and tells them to take courage. He says an angel of the God he belongs to has assured him that he must stand before Caesar and that the lives of everyone sailing with him will be preserved, though the ship will be lost.

After two weeks adrift, sailors sense that land is near. Some attempt to escape in the ship’s boat, but Paul warns the centurion that everyone must remain together. The soldiers cut the boat loose.

Before daylight Paul urges everyone to eat. He takes bread, gives thanks to God in front of them, breaks it, and begins to eat. The others are encouraged and eat as well.

The ship eventually runs aground and begins breaking apart. Soldiers consider killing the prisoners to prevent escape, but the centurion wants to save Paul and stops the plan. Those who can swim go first, while others reach shore on planks and pieces of the ship. All arrive safely.

The island is Malta. There Paul survives a venomous snakebite and later ministers to sick people on the island. After winter, the journey toward Rome resumes. The storm has destroyed the vessel but not the mission that carries Paul toward the final chapters of Acts.