Acts 27:35

And when he had said this, and had taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all; and he brake it, and began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and themselves also took food. And we were all in the ship two hundred three score and sixteen souls.

The solemnity and overpowering wonder of that priceless moment in Paul's life were so awesomely beautiful that the words Luke used to describe it take on something of the sanctity associated with the Lord's supper; although, of course, this was only a case of ordinary eating in most extraordinary circumstances.

Gave thanks to God ... This thanks was not merely for the food, but for the promise that all should live. What an impression must have been etched forever into the minds of those who saw this prince among men, pausing in such circumstances to offer praise and thanksgiving to the Father in heaven!

It is the extreme emergency that calls forth the true leader. A friend of this author, Pfc. Hicklin A. Harrel, Jr., was a member of a military detail in World War II sent on an excursion into enemy territory. All of the officers were killed, but Private Harrel rallied the company, discharged their assignment, and returned; whereupon he was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army, receiving the new rank on the field of battle.