Acts 27:31

Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

The unbelief of the sailors is seen in their refusal to accept Paul's assurance that no lives would be lost; but, by this time, the centurion and the soldiers had far too much respect for Paul's words to ignore the warning given here. They promptly cut the ropes, setting the dinghy free in the raging sea.

A glimpse of the working of Providence is seen in this episode. Although Paul had been assured by an angel of the Highest that no lives would be lost, he nevertheless, did not understand such a promise as releasing him from the necessity of due caution and prudence to be exercised by himself. God requires of all men that they themselves should do everything possible to reach desired ends, understanding that the providence of the Father begins where the ability of men leaves off.