Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 27:39

"And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they perceived a certain bay with a beach, and they took counsel whether they could drive the ship upon it." — Acts 27:39 (ASV)

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. In Greek, a certain bosom—kolpon—or bay. The phrase "with a shore" probably means 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.