Matthew 13:2

“And great multitudes were gathered unto him, etc.] Some on one account, and some on another; some to see his person, others his miracles; some healing for their bodies, and others for their souls; some for the loaves, and others to hear him preach; and of these there were several sorts, as the following parable shows. So that he went into a ship: both for his own advantage, that he might not be crowded, and pressed by the people, and have more room, and a freer air to speak in, and for their’s, that they might both see and hear him better. And sat, and the whole multitude stood on the shore; as was the then custom of the Jewish doctors and hearers, the one to sit, and the other to stand. See…”

“And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship--the article in the received text lacks authority and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore--How graphic this picture!--no doubt from the pen of an eye-witness, himself impressed with the scene. It was "the same day" on which the foregoing solemn discourse was delivered, when His kindred thought Him "beside Himself" for His indifference to food and repose--that same day retiring to the seashore of Galilee; and there seating Himself, perhaps for coolness and rest, the crowds again flock around Him, and He is fain to push off from them, in the boat usually kept in readiness for Him; yet only to begin,…”

“The sea-side - This was the Sea of Tiberias. The multitude stood on the shore near to him, so that he could be easily heard. He went into a ship - that is, a boat; and sat down to address them. Few spectacles could be more interesting than a vast crowd on the hanks of a smooth and tranquil sea - an emblem of his instructions - and the Son of God addressing them on the great interests of eternity. return to 'Top of Page'”

“He went into the vessel - Which constantly waited upon him, while he was on the sea coast. Matthew 13:3”

“great: Mat 4:25, Mat 15:30; Gen 49:10; Luk 8:4-8 so: Mar 4:1; Luk 5:3 a ship: Το \[Strong's G3588\] πλοιον \[Strong's G4143\], "the ship" or boat; which Mr. Wakefield supposes was a particular vessel kept on the lake for the use of Christ and his disciples. Matthew 13:3”