The reason why the Evangelists relate this occurrence is, to inform us that the name of Christ was universally celebrated, and, therefore, the Jews could not be excused on the plea of ignorance. Many might otherwise have been perplexed by this question, “How came it that, while Christ dwelt on the e... [ Continue Reading ]
2._And said to his servants. _From the words of Luke it may be inferred, that Herod did not of his own accord adopt this conjecture, but that it was suggested to him by a report which was current among the people. And, indeed, I have no doubt that the hatred which they bore to the tyrant, and their... [ Continue Reading ]
This narrative is at present omitted by Luke, because he had explained it on a former occasion; and for my own part, as I am unwilling to annoy my readers by writing the same thing twice, I shall handle this passage with greater brevity (354) The Evangelists relate that John was seized, because he h... [ Continue Reading ]
5._And though he wished to put him to death. _There is some appearance of contradiction between the words of _Matthew _and _Mark: _for the former says that Herod was desirous to commit this shocking murder, but was restrained by the fear of the people; while the latter charges Herodias alone with th... [ Continue Reading ]
6._And when Herod’s birthday was kept. _The Evangelists now begin to relate the stratagem by which Herodias at length succeeded in a design which she had long meditated, the taking away of John’s life. The opportunity was afforded to her by an annual festival, when Herod was celebrating his birthday... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 14:13._When Jesus heard it. John, _who relates the same narrative, does not mention the reason why Jesus crossed over to the opposite bank, (6: 5.) _Mark _and _Luke _differ somewhat from _Matthew; _for they describe the occasion of the journey to have been to give some repose to his disciple... [ Continue Reading ]
14._He was moved with compassion towards them. _The other two Evangelists, and particularly Mark, state more clearly the reason why this _compassion _( συμπάθεια) was awakened in the mind of Christ. It was because he saw famishing souls, whom the warmth of zeal had carried away from their homes and... [ Continue Reading ]
15._When the evening was drawing on. _The disciples had now lost their object, and they see that Christ is again absorbed in teaching, while the multitudes are so eager to receive instruction that they do not think of retiring. Theytherefore advise that for the sake of attending to their bodily want... [ Continue Reading ]
16._Give you to them something to eat. _As a fuller exposition of this miracle will be found at the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel, instead of troubling my readers with a repetition of what I have said, I would rather send them to that exposition; but rather than pass over this passage entirely, I s... [ Continue Reading ]
19._He blessed. _In this passage, as in many others, _blessing _denotes thanksgiving. Now Christ has taught us, by his example, that we cannot partake of our food with holiness and purity, unless we express our gratitude to God, from whose hand it comes to us. Accordingly, Paul tells us, that every... [ Continue Reading ]
20._And carried away what was left. _The _fragments _that remained after satisfying so vast a multitude of men were more than twelve times larger in quantity than what was at first put into their hands, and this contributed not a little to the splendor of the miracle. In this way all came to know th... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 14:22._And immediately Jesus constrained his disciples _They must have been _constrained; _for they would never, of their own accord, have left him, and gone to the other side. Now in this they testify their great veneration for him, when, contrary to their own opinions, they yield to his co... [ Continue Reading ]
23._He went up into a mountain alone. _It is probable that the Son of God, who was fully aware of the tempest that was coming on, did not neglect the safety of his disciples in his prayers; and yet we naturally wonder that he did not rather prevent the danger than employ himself in prayer. But in di... [ Continue Reading ]
24._The ship was now in the midst of the sea. _The reader will find this narrative expounded by me at the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel, and therefore I shall treat it more briefly here. When Christ permitted his disciples to be tossed about in a perilous condition, for a time, by an opposing storm... [ Continue Reading ]
27._But immediately Jesus spake to them. _As Christ is not known to be a Deliverer till he actually makes his appearance, he speaks, and desires his disciples to recognize him. That confidence, to which he exhorts them, is represented by him as founded on his presence; plainly implying that, since t... [ Continue Reading ]
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... [ Continue Reading ]
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 C... [ Continue Reading ]
33._They that were in the ship. _I understand these words to refer not only to the disciples, but to the sailors and other passengers. So then those who had not yet declared that he was their Master, instantly acknowledge that he is the Son of God, and by this term render to him the honor of the Mes... [ Continue Reading ]
Matthew 14:34._They came into the country of Gennesareth. _The Evangelists give that designation to the country which borrowed its name from the lake, though it is uncertain if it was not rather the name of the country that was bestowed on the lake; but that is a matter of little consequence. Our ch... [ Continue Reading ]