Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Matthew 14:29
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
And he said, come, etc.] This he said, partly to assure them who he was; for had he denied him, he and the rest might have concluded, it was none of Jesus; and partly to commend his love, and confirm his faith, by giving a further instance of his power, in enabling him to walk upon the water, as he did: and when Peter was come down out of the ship; as he immediately did, having orders from Christ; and being by this second speech fully convinced it was he he walked on the water; a little way, being supported and enabled by the power of Christ; for this was an extraordinary and miraculous action: for if it was so in Christ, it was much more so in Peter: Christ walked upon the water by his own power, as God; Peter walked upon the water, being held up by the power of Christ. The Jews f866 indeed, call swimming µymh ynp l[ hjyçh, “walking upon the face of the waters”: hence we read of a swimmer’s vessel, which is explained to be what men make to learn in it, how µymh ynp l[ jwçl, “to go or walk upon the face of the waters” f867; but then this is not going upon them upright, but prone, or lying along upon the surface of the waters, which was not Peter’s case; he did not, as at another time, cast himself into the sea, and swim to Christ; (see <432107>John 21:7) but as soon as he came down from the ship, standing upright, he walked upon the waters, to go to Jesus; not merely for walking sake, but for the sake of Christ, he dearly loved; that he might be with him, and be still more confirmed of the truth of its being he, and not a spirit.
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