Mat 14:25-36 | RWP | e4.org | Walking upon the sea ( περιπατων επ την θαλασσαν ). Another nature miracle. Some scholars actually explain it all away by urging that Jesus was only walking along the beach and not on the water, an impossible theory unless Matthew's account is legendary. Matthew uses the accusative (extension) with επ in verse and the genitive (specifying case) in .

‏ Matthew 14:25-36

Walking upon the sea ( περιπατων επ την θαλασσαν ). Another nature miracle. Some scholars actually explain it all away by urging that Jesus was only walking along the beach and not on the water, an impossible theory unless Matthew's account is legendary. Matthew uses the accusative (extension) with επ in verse 25 and the genitive (specifying case) in 26.

They were troubled ( εταραχθησαν ). Much stronger than that. They were literally "terrified" as they saw Jesus walking on the sea.

An apparition ( φαντασμα ), or "ghost," or "spectre" from φανταζω and that from φαινω. They cried out "from fear" ( απο του φοβου ) as any one would have done. "A little touch of sailor superstition" (Bruce).

Upon the waters ( επ τα υδατα ). The impulsiveness of Peter appears as usual. Matthew alone gives this Peter episode.

Seeing the wind ( βλεπων τον ανεμον ). Cf. Ex 20:18 and Re 1:12 "to see the voice" ( την φωνην ). "It is one thing to see a storm from the deck of a stout ship, another to see it in the midst of the waves" (Bruce). Peter was actually beginning to sink ( καταποντιζεσθα ) to plunge down into the sea, "although a fisherman and a good swimmer" (Bengel). It was a dramatic moment that wrung from Peter the cry: "Lord, save me" ( Κυριε, σωσον με ), and do it quickly the aorist means. He could walk on the water till he saw the wind whirl the water round him.

Didst thou doubt? ( εδιστασασ? ). Only here and 28:17 in the N.T. From δισταζω and that from δις (twice). Pulled two ways. Peter's trust in the power of Christ gave way to his dread of the wind and waves. Jesus had to take hold of Peter ( επελαβετο, middle voice) and pull him up while still walking on the water.

Ceased ( εκοπασεν ). From κοπος, toil. The wind grew weary or tired, exhausted itself in the presence of its Master (cf. Mr 4:39). Not a mere coincidence that the wind ceased now.

Worshipped him ( προσεκυνησαν αυτω ). And Jesus accepted it. They were growing in appreciation of the person and power of Christ from the attitude in 8:27. They will soon be ready for the confession of 16:16. Already they can say: "Truly God's Son thou art." The absence of the article here allows it to mean a Son of God as in 27:54 (the centurion). But they probably mean "the Son of God" as Jesus was claiming to them to be.

Gennesaret ( Γεννησαρετ ). A rich plain four miles long and two broad. The first visit of Jesus apparently with the usual excitement at the cures. People were eager to touch the hem of Christ's mantle like the woman in 9:20. Jesus honoured their superstitious faith and "as many as touched were made whole" ( οσο ηψαντο διεσωθεσαν ), completely ( δι- ) healed.