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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 14:28

Verse 28 28.And Peter answering. The condition which he lays down shows that his faith was not yet fully settled. If it is thou, says he, bid me come to thee on the water. But he had heard Christ speak. Why then does he still argue with himself under doubt and perplexity? While his faith is so small and weak, a wish not well considered bursts into a flame. He ought rather to have judged of himself according to his capacity, and to have supplicated from Christ an increase of faith, that by its... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 14:31

Verse 31 31.O man of little faith. While our Lord kindly preserves Peter, he does not connive at Peter’s fault. Such is the object of the chastisement administered, when Peter is blamed for the weakness of his faith. But a question arises, Does every kind of fear give evidence of a weakness of faith? for Christ’s words seem to imply that, where faith reigns, there is no room for doubt. (384) I reply: Christ reproves here that kind of doubt which was directly opposed to faith. A man may... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 14:1-36

CHRIST 'S POWER TO SUPPLY AND PROTECT AND HEAL , PREFACED BY A STATEMENT OF HEROD 'S RELATION TO HIM . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 14:22-33

Christ's power over the elements. He walks on the water and stays the storm. St. Peter's attempt to walk on the water is successful so long as he exercises faith on Christ. Jesus receives homage as Messiah. Parallel passages: Mark 6:45-52 ; John 6:15-21 . It is strange that the incident of St. Peter is recorded in Matthew only, and not in Mark, for it serves to emphasize what is a leading thought of the preceding narrative, even in Mark, viz. the power that believers receive by virtue of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 14:22-33

Walking on the sea. The wonderful feeding of the thousands produced a great effect, rousing the multitude to enthusiasm, so that the people actually tried to three on an insurrection in support of the kingship of Jesus, and so that he had to dismiss them with haste, sending his disciples across the sea, and retiring to the mountains for prayer. Then it was that the sudden squall fell on the lake, and the need of his disciples called him to their aid. I. JESUS IN PRAYER . 1 . ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 14:22-33

A contention of sense and faith. The last miracle was one the teaching of which was certainly good for all, alike for the disciples and the multitude; and of the two for obvious and natural reasons, perhaps more so for the former than for the latter. But, letting alone the teaching force of it, that foregoing miracle had for its practical object the benefit of the five thousand with women and children, allaying their hunger and bringing home to their hearts—of what ever character those... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 14:22-33

Peter walking on the sea. This time was a crisis in the life of our Lord. Thousands of people had followed him into a secluded part of the country, and insisted that he should proclaim himself King. It would have been a lesson to leaders of men to have seen how he induced the huge mob quietly to disperse. But the strain was tremendous. He had to control not merely the clamouring, infatuated thousands, but himself also. What more seductive to the human spirit than the being carried by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 14:22-33

Lessons of the storm. The wonderful narrative before us suggests many lessons, amongst which the following may be noted, viz.— I. THAT JESUS IS A PARTY TO THE TROUBLES OF HIS DISCIPLES . 1 . These are often induced by their own folly. 2 . Satan has a malignant hand in them. 3 . Jesus has a benevolent hand in them. (a) That those who will not submit to the ruling of Christ's wisdom will have to sail without him in the voyage of life. (b) That... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 14:22-36

The walking on the sea. I. JESUS LEFT ALONE . 1 . He sends the disciples across the lake. He "constrained his disciples to get into a ship." It is a strong word. He compelled, he forced them; evidently they were very unwilling to leave him. St. John's narrative throws a light upon this. The miracle had produced a great impression; it was in accordance with the hopes of the Jews; it was what they looked for in the expected Messiah. It must be he, the multitude thought; he is come... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 14:28

And ; δέ , slightly adversative, because St. Peter's words were so contrary to what might have been expected. Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou ( εἰ σὺ εἷ ). No doubt is implied ( Matthew 4:3 , note). Bid me ( κέλευσόν με ); jube me (Vulgate). He will only come at Christ's command. In this lies the difference—and it is a decisive difference—from the second temptation ( Matthew 4:6 ). Come unto thee on the water. Not "bid me walk on the water;" for he... read more

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