Matthew 14:22

Matthew 14:22. Constrained the disciples. See above. To go before him to the other side. Mark: ‘to Bethsaida;' John: ‘toward Capernaum.' Some understand by Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Philip, supposed to be on the western side of the lake; Capernaum being the ultimate point to be reached; it was in ‘the land of Gennesaret' (Matthew 14:34). But in that case they would have inquired how He could join them, since there was then no other boat there (John 6:22), and the circuit by land was a long one. It is not certain that there was a western Bethsaida (see on chap. Matthew 11:21). We therefore infer that He sent them to eastern Bethsaida, which was not far off (Luke 9:10), directing them to await Him there, so that they would cross together to the opposite shore, which they actually did, after the miracle. This accords best with all the details as given by the three Evangelists. Till he sent the multitudes away. They were in an excited condition; hence great prudence, perhaps an exercise of some constraining power was necessary.