| Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible Then were they all of good cheer,.... Encouraged by the apostle's words and example: and they all took some meat; and made a comfortable meal, which they had not done for fourteen days past.
Geneva Study BibleThen were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
People's New Testament 27:35,36 He took bread, and gave thanks. As Paul was wont to do before eating; as Christ himself did (Mt 14:19 Joh 6:11). Began to eat. To encourage them by his example. It had its effect, for they were all of good cheer, and they also took meat (Ac 27:36).
Wesley's Notes 27:36 Then they were all encouraged - By his example, as well as words.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary36. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat-"took food"; the first full meal since the commencement of the gale. Such courage in desperate circumstances as Paul here showed is wonderfully infectious.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary27:30-38 God, who appointed the end, that they should be saved, appointed the means, that they should be saved by the help of these shipmen. Duty is ours, events are God's; we do not trust God, but tempt him, when we say we put ourselves under his protection, if we do not use proper means, such as are within our power, for our safety. But how selfish are men in general, often even ready to seek their own safety by the destruction of others! Happy those who have such a one as Paul in their company, who not only had intercourse with Heaven, but was of an enlivening spirit to those about him. The sorrow of the world works death, while joy in God is life and peace in the greatest distresses and dangers. The comfort of God's promises can only be ours by believing dependence on him, to fulfil his word to us; and the salvation he reveals must be waited for in use of the means he appoints. If God has chosen us to salvation, he has also appointed that we shall obtain it by repentance, faith, prayer, and persevering obedience; it is fatal presumption to expect it in any other way. It is an encouragement to people to commit themselves to Christ as their Saviour, when those who invite them, clearly show that they do so themselves. | 
