Mat 8:23-27 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 23. Into a ship . This was on the sea of Tiberias. The ship in which they sailed was probably a small open boat, with sails, such as were commonly used for fishing on the lake. His disciples . Not merely the apostles, but probably many others. There were many other ships in company with him, . This circumstance would render the miracle much more striking and impressive.

Matthew 8:23-27

Verse 23. Into a ship. This was on the sea of Tiberias. The ship in which they sailed was probably a small open boat, with sails, such as were commonly used for fishing on the lake.

His disciples. Not merely the apostles, but probably many others. There were many other ships in company with him, Mk 4:36. This circumstance would render the miracle much more striking and impressive. Verse 24. A great tempest. A violent storm; or a wind so strong as to endanger their lives. This lake was subject to sudden squalls.

The ship was covered with the waves. The billows dashed against the ship, (Mk 4:37,) so that it was fast filling and in danger of sinking.

He was asleep. On the hinder part of the vessel, on a pillow, Mk 4:38. It was in the night, and Jesus had retired to rest. He was probably weary, and slept calmly and serenely, he apprehended no danger, and showed to his disciples how calmly one can sleep with a pure conscience, and who feels safe in the hands of God.

(h) "And, behold" Mk 4:37, Lk 8:23 Verse 25. Save us. Save our lives.

We perish. We are in danger of perishing. This showed great confidence in the Saviour. It shows, also, where sinners and Christians should always go, who feel that they are in danger of perishing. There is none that can save from the storms of Divine wrath but the Son of God. Verse 26. Why are ye fearful. You should have remembered that the Son of God, the Messiah, was on board. You should not have forgotten that he had power to save, and that with him you are safe. So Christians should never fear danger, disease, or death. With Jesus they are safe. No enemy can reach him; and as he is safe, so they shall be also, Jn 14:19.

Rebuked the winds. Reproved them; or commanded them to be still. What a power was this! What irresistible proof that he was Divine! His word awed the tempest, and allayed the storm! There is not, anywhere, a sublimer description of a display of power. Nor could there be sublimer proof that he was truly the Son of God.

Great calm. The winds were still; and the sea ceased to dash against the vessel, and to endanger their lives.

(i) "rebuked" Job 38:11, Ps 89:9, 107:29 Verse 27. Men marvelled. Wondered; or were amazed.

What manner of man. What personage. How unlike other men! What a vast, minute display of power; and how far exalted above mortals must he be I He spoke to the winds; rebuked their raging, and the sea was suddenly calm. The storm subsided; the ship glided smoothly; danger fled; and in amazement they stood in the presence of Him who controlled the tempests that God had raised: and they felt that He must be God himself. None but God could calm the heaving billows, and scatter the tempest. No scene could have been more grand than this display of the power of Jesus. The darkness; the dashing waves; the howling winds; the heaving and tossing ship; the fears and cries of the seamen; all by a single word hushed into calm repose; all present an image of power and divinity irresistibly grand and awful. So the tempest rolls and thickens over the head of the awakened sinner. So he trembles over immediate and awful destruction. So while the storm of wrath howls, and hell threatens to engulf him, he comes trembling to the Saviour. He hears; he rebukes the storm; and the sinner is safe. An indescribable peace takes possession of the soul; and he glides on a tranquil sea to the haven of eternal rest. See Isa 57:20,21, Rom 5:1, Php 4:7.