And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.
And 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 harbour (as Mr. Smith says), and possesses no marked features by which it could be recognized, even by a native, if he came unexpectedly upon it; not to speak of the rain pouring in torrents (Acts 28:2), which would throw a haze over the coast even after day broke. Immediately on landing they knew where they were (Acts 28:1).
But they discovered a certain creek with a shore - or level beach. Every creek of course must have a shore; but the meaning is, a practicable shore, in a nautical sense - i:e., one with a smooth beach, in contradistinction to a rocky coast (as Acts 27:41 shows).
Into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. This was their one chance of safety.