When the Roman commander and those who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and everything that had happened, they were terrified and exclaimed, “He had to be the Son of God!”
But the commander wanted to save Paul’s life, so he kept the soldiers from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to throw themselves overboard first and swim to land.
Since it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a Roman commander named Julius. He belonged to the Imperial Guard and led 100 men.
Then the commander called for two of his officers. He ordered them, “Gather a company of 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 men armed with spears. Get them ready to go to Caesarea at nine o’clock tonight.
So he rushed right out, taking some officers and soldiers with him. They all ran down to the crowd, and when the people causing the trouble saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.
At that same time there was a powerful earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed. In the earthquake, 7,000 people were killed. Those who lived through it were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
and said, “So, you’re going to destroy the temple and build it again in three days? Then save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you’re the Son of God!”