Why . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis ( App-6 ). Here the danger was not so imminent, for He first rebuked the disciples. In the later miracle the danger was greater, and He rebuked the storm first. See App-97 . O ye of little faith. The second occurrence of this word ( oligopistoi) . See note on Matthew 6:30 . was = became. read more
marvelled. In Matthew 14:33 "worshipped". manner, &c . = kind of a Being. read more
And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the boat was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.Many travelers to Palestine have commented on the violent storms which so often lash the Sea of Galilee, their intensity augmented by the steep mountain gorges that rim its shores, and by the greater density of the atmosphere so far below sea-level. Such storms are common, still; but that this was no ordinary storm is evident from the terror it struck into the hearts of these... read more
And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Save, Lord; we perish.The contrast between Jesus asleep in this storm and Jonah asleep in another is notable. Jonah's conscience was dead through sin and rebellion; Jesus' conscience was calm through innocence. Jonah was the source of danger on his vessel; Christ was the source of safety on his. The apostles' turning to Christ in this extremity is exactly what they should have done; but the lack of faith that prompted it is deplorable and was rebuked... read more
And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.It is important to note the significance of the word "rebuked." Trench discussed this as follows:To regard this as mere oratorical personification would be absurd; rather there is here, a distinct tracing up of all the discords and disharmonies in the outward world to their source in a person, a referring them back to him, as to their ultimate ground;... read more
And the men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?It was then plain that every area of existence was totally under our Lord's authority. The spiritual world, the physical world, time, life, and death were, and are, utterly subject to his will. The force of this incident is multiplied when it is recalled that the rugged Galilean fishermen were perfectly capable of handling any ordinary turbulence with skill and efficiency. read more
Matthew 8:24. A great tempest— The original phrase Σεισμος μεγας, properly signifies a mighty agitation; probably it was something of a hurricane. Jesus, possibly fatigued with the labours of the day (which had been a very busy one), was asleep in the stern of the vessel for the refreshment of his weary body, as well as for the trial of their faith. read more
Matthew 8:27. The men marvelled, saying, &c.— This reflection, as well as the extreme fear of the disciples in the time of their danger, may seem unaccountable, considering how many and what miracles they had been witnesses to; but both may be explained in some measure by the following remark; that hitherto his miracles were generally upon diseased persons, and that he had given as yet no proofs of his dominion over the elements, the wind and the water, which, it seems, were thought less... read more
A. Demonstrations of the King’s power 8:1-9:34Matthew described Jesus’ ministry as consisting of teaching, preaching, and healing in Matthew 4:23. Chapters 5-7 record what He taught His disciples: principles of the kingdom. We have the essence of His preaching ministry in Matthew 4:17. Now in Matthew 8:1 to Matthew 9:34 we see His healing ministry. He demonstrated authority over human beings, unseen spiritual powers, and the world of nature. Matthew showed that Jesus’ ability proves that He is... read more
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 8:25
perish = are perishing. read more