Mat 14:23-33 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 23. (h) "he went up"

Matthew 14:23-33

(h) "he went up" Mk 6:46 Verse 24. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea. John says they had sailed about twenty-five or thirty furlongs. About seven and a half Jewish furlongs made a mile; so that the distance they had sailed was not more than about four miles. At no place was the sea of Tiberias more than ten miles in breadth, so that they were literally in the midst of the sea. Verse 25. And in the fourth watch of the night. The Jews anciently divided the night into three divisions o� four hours each. The first of these watches is mentioned in Lam 2:19; the middle watch in Jud 7:19 and the morning watch in Ex 14:24. In the time of our Saviour: they divided the night into four watches;the fourth having been introduced by the Romans. These watches consisted of three hours each. The first commenced at six, and continued till nine; the second from nine to twelve; the third from twelve to three; and the fourth from three to six. The first was called evening; the second, midnight; the third, cock-crowing; the fourth, morning, Mk 13:35. It is probable that the term watch was given to each of these divisions, from the practice of placing sentinels around the camp in time of war, or in cities, to watch or guard the camp or city, and that they were at first relieved three times in the night, but under the Romans four times. It was in the last of these watches, or between three and six in the morning, that Jesus appeared to the disciples; so that he had spent most of the night alone on the mountain in prayer.

Walking on the sea. A manifest and wonderful miracle. It was a boisterous sea. It was in a dark night. The little boat was four or five miles from the shore, tossed by the billows. Verse 26. They were troubled. They were afraid. The sight was remarkable. It was sufficient to awe them. In the dark night, amidst the tumultuous billows, appeared the form of a man. They thought it was a spirit--an apparition. It was a common belief among the ancients that the spirits of men after death frequently appeared to the living.

(i) "???" Job 9:8, Jn 6:19 (k) "were troubled" Lk 24:37 Verse 27.

(l) "of good cheer" Acts 23:11 Verses 28-31. And Peter answered, etc. Here is an instance of the characteristic ardour and rashness of Peter. He had less real faith than he supposed; more ardour than his faith would justify: he was rash, headlong, incautious, really attached to Jesus, but still easily daunted, and prone to fall. He was afraid, therefore, when in danger, and, sinking, cried again for help. Thus he was suffered to learn his own character, and his dependence on Jesus: a lesson which all Christians are permitted to learn by dear-bought experience.

(m) "if it be thou" Php 4:13 Verse 29. Mt 14:28 Verse 30. Mt 14:28

(1) "boisterous" or, strong (n) "save me" Ps 19:1,2, Lam 3:57 Verse 31. Mt 14:28

(o) "immediately" Isa 53:12 (p) "doubt" Jas 1:6 Verse 32. And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Here was a new proof of the power of Jesus. He that has power over winds and waves has all power. John adds, Jn 6:21 that the ship was immediately at the land whither they went;--another proof, amidst this collection of wonders, that the Son of God was with them. They came, therefore, and worshipped him, acknowledging him to be the Son of God. That is, they gave him homage, or honoured him as the Son of God. Verse 33.

(r) "Son of God" Dan 3:25, Lk 4:41, Jn 1:49, 6:69, 11:27, Acts 8:37, Rom 1:4