John Calvin Commentary Acts 27:37

"And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls." — Acts 27:37 (ASV)

All the souls The number of the men is recorded, first, so that it may more clearly appear that none of the multitude perished. For Luke does not show how many men swam to the shore, but how many men were then in the ship. Secondly, so that the miracle might be made more evident and also famous; for, in human judgment, it is impossible that two hundred seventy-six men could escape to land, having suffered shipwreck, without any loss of life.

For it is likely that few had any skill in swimming except the sailors. And though they were somewhat refreshed with the food which they had eaten, yet they were brought so low with sorrows and weariness, that it is a marvel that they were nimble enough to move their arms.

And now we must consider the commotion among them; since it is seldom that twenty or thirty men can swim in such danger without one hindering or drowning another. Therefore, God plainly stretched out His hand from heaven, since all those who had thrown themselves into the sea came to shore safe and sound.