Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 14:22-33

We have here the story of another miracle which Christ wrought for the relief of his friends and followers, his walking upon the water to his disciples. In the foregoing miracle he acted as the Lord of nature, improving its powers for the supply of those who were in want; in this, he acted as the Lord of nature, correcting and controlling its powers for the succour of those who were in danger and distress. Observe, I. Christ's dismissing of his disciples and the multitude, after he had fed... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 14:22-27

14:22-27 Immediately he compelled his disciples to embark in the boat and to go on ahead to the other side, until he should send away the crowds. When he had sent away the crowds, he went up into a mountain by himself to pray. When it was late, he was there alone. The boat was by this time in the middle of the sea, battered by the waves, for the wind was contrary. About three o'clock in the morning, he came to them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 14:25

And in the fourth watch of the night ,.... This is said, according to the division of the night into four watches, by the Jews; who F15 T. Hieros. Beracot, fol. 2. 4. Echa Rabbati, fol. 54. 4. say, that "there are four watches in the night, and four watches in the day.' It is true indeed, that it is disputed among them, whether there were four watches, or only three in the night: some say there were four, others say there were but three F16 T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 3. 1, 2. ;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 14:25

The fourth watch - Anciently the Jews divided the night into three watches, consisting of four hours each. The first watch is mentioned, Lamentations 2:19 ; : the second, Judges 7:19 ; and the third, Exodus 14:24 ; but a fourth watch is not mentioned in any part of the Old Testament. This division the Romans had introduced in Judea, as also the custom of dividing the day into twelve hours: see John 11:9 . The first watch began at six o'clock in the evening, and continued till nine;... 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

Group of Brands