Matthew 14

1-12. See notes on Mark vi. 14-29.

1. At that time.** That is, while the Twelve were on their journey “two and two” (Mark vi. 7).

the fame of Jesus. “The report concerning Jesus” (R.V.).

2 mighty works do show forth themselves in Him. Lit., as R.V., “These (’the’) powers work in Him.”

8 charger. Dish, trencher.

15 when it was evening. This was the first evening; extending from three o’clock, “when the day began to wear away” (Luke), till sunset, when the second evening (23) commenced, concontinuing till it was “dark” (John). On this miracle see John vi., and notes. It is the only miracle narrated by all four evangelists.

17 they say. Andrew, Peter’s brother, was spokesman for the rest; John vi. 8.

19. He blessed.** Or, “gave thanks” (see John vi. 11), according to Jewish custom, for the provision. A truly thankful heart seeks and gains a blessing with the gift.

21 beside women and children. All the four evangelists say that the five thousand were men; and Matthew particularly mentions that women and children were there too.

22 constrained His disciples. The disciples may have been inclined to join the multitude in their wish to “make Him king” (John vi. 15). He therefore “immediately” dismissed the people, and “constrained” the disciples also to leave the place.

a ship. Rather, “the boat” (which belonged to the disciples). So ver. 24 (and xv. 39) “the mountain” (which overhung the lake).

23 when the evening was come. See note on ver. 15. “Tossed,” more accurately “distressed,” as R.V.

25 the fourth watch. On the Jewish watches, see note on Psa. lxiii. 6. The Romans had introduced into Palestine their division of the night into four parts, which are all mentioned in Mark xiii. 35. The fourth watch lasted, at this time of the year, from about 3 to 6 a.m.

26 a spirit. Rather, “an apparition” (R.V.); or “phantom.”

29. He said, Come.** Our Lord encourages Peter to make this trial of his confidence; and by the result teaches him that the higher enterprises of faith can be successful only when the mind is simply fixed on the power and will of Christ, disregarding all appearances of difficulty and danger. This incident of Peter’s walking on the water is narrated only by Matthew.

31 wherefore didst thou doubt? Our Lord did not reprove Peter’s bold proposal, nor his prompt compliance with the permission to “come,” but the weakness of his sincere though imperfect faith.

32 ceased. Lit., “grew weary”: sank to rest, as though exhausted.

34 the land of Gennesaret. “Gennesaret” is probably a corruption of Cinnereth; a district on the west of the lake.

36 hem. “Fringe,” “border,” (R.V.), or “tassel,” the distinguishing mark of the Israelite (Numb. xv. 38, 39).

disciples did not even “yet understand” this, might result from their strong Jewish views respecting the distinction between clean and unclean meats: see Acts x. 14.