Matthew 14:26

“And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, etc.] It being now morning, and perhaps might have moon light; and besides, there is always more light upon the water than land; they were able to discern something like a man, walking upon the surface of the sea, but had not light enough to distinguish what, or who it was; and, moreover, had no thought of Christ, or expectation of seeing him; and the appearance of a man walking upon the waters being so unusual, and astonishing, they were troubled, saying it is a spirit: a nocturnal apparition, a demon in human form. The Jews, especially the sect of the Pharisees, had a notion, from whom the disciples might have their’s, of spirits,…”

“They were troubled - They were afraid. The sight was remarkable. It was sufficient to awe them. In the dark night, amid the tumultuous billows appeared the form of a man. They thought it was a spirit an apparition. It was a common belief among the ancients that the spirits of people after death frequently appeared to the living. return to 'Top of Page'”

“they were: Sa1 28:12-14; Job 4:14-16; Dan 10:6-12; Mar 6:49, Mar 6:50; Luk 1:11, Luk 1:12; Luk 24:5, Luk 24:45; Act 12:15; Rev 1:17 Matthew 14:27”