Acts 27:39

“And when it was day they knew not the land, etc.] What place it was, or the name of it: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore; a gulf or bay, with a shore near it; the Ethiopic version explains it, an arm of the sea, where was a port, where they thought they could secure themselves, or get ashore: into which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship; whither they had a mind, and consulted to run the ship, if it could be done by any means, believing it was the most likely method of saving themselves, and that; for notwithstanding the assurance they had that no man’s life should be lost, they made use of all proper means for their safety and security.”

“when it was day they knew not the land--This has been thought surprising in sailors accustomed to that sea. But the scene of the wreck is remote from the great harbor, and possesses no marked features by which it could be recognized, even by a native if he came unexpectedly upon it [SMITH], not to speak of the rain pouring in torrents (Act 28:2), which would throw a haze over the coast even after day broke. Immediately on landing they knew where they were (Act 28:1). discovered a creek with a shore--Every creek of course, must have a shore; but the meaning is, a practicable shore, in a nautical sense, that is, one with a smooth beach, in contradistinction to a rocky coast (as Act 27:41…”

“They knew not the land - They had been driven with a tempest, without being able to make any observation, and it is probable that they were entire strangers to the coast and to the whole island, A certain creek with a shore - Greek: a certain bosom κόλπος kolpos or bay. By its having a shore is probably meant that it had a level shore, or one that was convenient for landing. It was not a high bluff of rocks, but was accessible. Kuinoel thinks that the passage should be construed, “they found a certain shore, having a bay,” etc. Were minded - Were resolved. return to 'Top of Page'”

“They did not know the land - Which they saw near them: having a level shore. Acts 27:40”

“27:39-41 They ran the ship aground on a shoal or reef.”