Matthew 14

Hendriksen

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-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 � StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size StandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldfsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size-9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 �BiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabsStandardSpaceBefore SpaceAfterTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 3 3 8 0 0 CHAPTER XIV ) Outline of Chapter 14 ) Theme: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Work Which Thou Gavest Him to Do) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 14:1 12 Herod s Wicked Birthday Party) 6 2 3 12 0 0 and) John the Baptist s Gruesome Death ) 6 4 3 8 0 0 14:13 21 The Feeding of the Five Thousand ) 14:22 33 Walking on the Water ) 14:34 36 Healings in Gennesaret ) 14:1 12 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Herod s Wicked Birthday Party) 7 2 3 12 0 0 and) John the Baptist s Gruesome Death) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.14-41.6.29|AUTODETECT|” Cf ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.14-41.6.29|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:14 29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.7-42.9.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.7-42.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:7 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 14 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus, 2 and said to his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; that s why these miraculous powers are at work in him. 3 For Herod had arrested John, had bound him and put him away in prison, on account of Herodias, his brother Philip s wife; 4 for John kept telling him, It isn t right for you to have her. 5 And although he wanted to kill him, he was afraid of the people, because they were holding John to be a prophet. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 6 But when Herod s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and fascinated Herod, 7 so that with an oath he promised to give her whatever she might ask. 8 She, urged on by her mother, said, Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist. 9 The king was distressed, but on account of his oaths and his dinner guests he ordered it to be given. 10 So he had John beheaded in prison. 11 The head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. 12 Then John s disciples came, took away the body and buried it; and they went and reported it to Jesus. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 1, 2. At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus, and said to his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; that s why these miraculous powers are at work in him.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The phrase at that time is very indefinite. In connection with the words, he (John the Baptist) is risen from the dead the temporal designation must refer to a period of time extending beyond John s execution, which probably occurred many months after his imprisonment. It is not improbable that the murder of Christ s herald took place in or near the beginning of the year a.d. 29.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1” 551) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.1-40.2.19|AUTODETECT|” A tetrarch was originally a ruler of the fourth part of a region, but later the term was used to indicate any prince or governor less in rank than a king (Herod the Great) or an ethnarch (Archelaus). The Herod to which reference is made here, and everywhere in the Gospels except in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.1-40.2.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 2:1 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.5|AUTODETECT|” and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.5|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.27|AUTODETECT|” , where Herod the Great or Herod I is indicated, was at this time ruler over Galilee and Perea. He continued in that position from a.d. 4 to 39, when he was banished to Lyons in Gaul. He was the son of Herod the Great by Malthace the Samaritan. Though in the Gospels 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.27|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.1|AUTODETECT|” 13:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) he is simply called Herod, elsewhere 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Jewish War) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 I.562) his name is frequently given as Antipas. We may therefore consider his full name to have been Herod Antipas. The reverse is probably the case with the man who (according to the best text) is called Philip here in 14:3 , but who is elsewhere called Herod, and was therefore probably Herod Philip. For better understanding of 14:1 12 with reference both to Herod Antipas and John the Baptist what was said earlier in connection with 2:22; 4:12; and 11:1 19, should be consulted. See also the charts on pp. 161 and 189. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It seems somewhat strange that not until now did Herod Antipas hear the news or the reports about Jesus, especially in view of the fact that it was exactly this ruler s own domain that the Lord had chosen as the main sphere of his labors (4:12 16; 11:20 24). The explanation of 14:1 may well be: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that although Herod Antipas had previously heard about Jesus, nevertheless the tidings of his great fame, gained through his unforgettable words and illustrious miracles, had not penetrated the walls of this ruler s residence until now; or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that the palace where Herod Antipas was now staying (Machaerus, described earlier) being in Perea, far to the south, was too far removed from Capernaum and surroundings for the news concerning Jesus to have reached him earlier; or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 c.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a combination of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 When the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus he was greatly disturbed. He was impressed particularly with the reports concerning Christ s miracles, the results of mighty energies operating within him. These ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 works) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of Jesus, even more than his ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 words,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 shocked him to such an extent that in his restless, morbid, feverish i) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 magi) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 nation he saw in Jesus a John the Baptist Redivivus (restored to life). He, the guilt-laden superstitious murderer, so informed his servants. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 What follows, in verses 3 ff. is an explanation of the fact, already implied in verse 2, namely, that John the Baptist had died. He had not been put to death at once but had first been arrested and imprisoned. The reason for this action against John, and also the reason for the ruler s hesitancy in putting him to death, are given in the account beginning with ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 vss. 3, 4. For Herod had arrested John, had bound him and put him away in prison, on account of Herodias, his brother Philip s wife; for John kept telling him, It isn t right for you to have her.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.22|AUTODETECT|” Herodias, as shown on the chart, p. 189, was the daughter of Aristobulus, who was a son of Herod the Great by Mariamne I. She had married her half-uncle (her father s half-brother) Herod Philip, son of Herod the Great by Mariamne II. To this Herod Philip she bore a daughter, who in 14:6 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.22|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) is referred to simply as the daughter of Herodias, but who by Josephus is called Salome 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.1|AUTODETECT|” XVIII.136). At a later time this daughter was going to marry her half-uncle, Philip the tetrarch 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Luke 3:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.1|AUTODETECT|” ), thereby becoming both the sister-in-law and aunt of her own mother! It should also be noted that Salome s mother Herodias had a brother who was to become King Herod Agrippa I 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 12:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and to whom reference will be made later (see p. 590). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Now Herod Antipas, on a visit to Herod Philip, became infatuated with Herodias. The two illicit lovers agreed to separate from their present marriage partners Herodias from Herod Philip; Herod Antipas from the daughter of Aretas, king of the Nabatean Arabs and to marry each other. This was done. When John the Baptist heard about this he rebuked Herod Antipas. He did this repeatedly.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2” 552) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.18.16|AUTODETECT|” �� There was good reason for the rebuke, for such a marriage was incestuous 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.18.16|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 18:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.21|AUTODETECT|” 20:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.2|AUTODETECT|” ). Was it not also adulterous 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.2|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 7:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.7.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 )? ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.20|AUTODETECT|” Of course, Herodias knew very well that whenever John rebuked the tetrarch he was also, by implication, denouncing her. So she insisted by means of constant nagging perhaps? that John be put to death. As to Herod Antipas himself, his attitude to the accuser was not entirely hateful. In fact, there were certain qualities in John that he admired. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.20|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Was his admiration due, perhaps, to the very fact that, in sharp contrast with the flatterers usually found in the company of rulers, here was one man who dared to speak his real mind, in other words, who was righteous and holy? Was it John s manly eloquence that caused the tetrarch to hear him gladly? Was it the ruler s conscience that kept the Baptist alive? On the other hand, Herod Antipas had to put up with the woman whom he now considered his wife, and whose heart was seething with unmitigated, savage vengeance. Not at all to yield to her wishes seemed impossible. So he compromised. He arrested John, put him in chains, and shut him up in a terrible, deep, and hot dungeon that formed part of the castle-palace at Machaerus.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3” 553) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.20|AUTODETECT|” In addition to the voice of the tetrarch s conscience to which ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.20|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 by implication calls attention, there was one other reason that prevented him from immediately having John put to death, so that even when he was about to yield to his wife s wishes he did not carry out his plan. That reason is mentioned by Matthew in these words: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 5. And although he wanted to kill him, he was afraid of the people, because they were holding John to be a prophet.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.19-43.1.28|AUTODETECT|” In our estimate of the people s attitude toward John it is well to avoid extremes. In the beginning it had been very favorable (3:5, 6; 11:7 9), except among the Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.19-43.1.28|AUTODETECT|” John 1:19 28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.16-40.11.18|AUTODETECT|” ). Due in all probability to their influence the original noisy enthusiasm about John had cooled, in fact on the part of many had been replaced by hostile criticism 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.16-40.11.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:16 18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But even this adversely critical attitude was by no means unanimous. Besides, various factors may have co-operated to reverse the general opinion once again and to make it more favorable toward the Baptist; for example, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.9-40.11.11|AUTODETECT|” among Christ s followers, the high praise which Jesus had bestowed upon John 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.9-40.11.11|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:9 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ); ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 among the general populace the sympathy aroused by the Baptist s cruel imprisonment; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 c.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the people s unfavorable attitude toward Herod Antipas, the man who had imprisoned John. Whatever other reasons there may have been, it is a fact that the favorable attitude of the multitude toward John, at least to the extent of regarding him to be (or, after his death, to have been) a prophet, is reported not only here in 14:5 but also in 21:26. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 What was it, then, that nevertheless brought about the murder of John the Baptist at the order of Herod Antipas? The answer is given in verses ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 6 10. But when Herod s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and fascinated Herod, so that with an oath he promised to give her whatever she might ask. She, urged on by her mother, said, Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist. The king was distressed, but on account of his oaths and his dinner guests he ordered it to be given. So he had John beheaded in prison.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.1.9|AUTODETECT|” The day arrived when the birthday of Herod Antipas was celebrated. This gave Herodias the opportunity for which she had been anxiously waiting. There was, of course, a banquet. For women to recline with men at the same table was contrary to the mores of the times 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Esther 1:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). However, when the men needed to be entertained, the distaff side was by no means ignored. From the story of Esther we learn that Queen Vashti refused to be so used. Queen Herodias was of a different disposition. She was willing even to have her own daughter used for such a purpose. The queen stood ready to employ whatever means was necessary to wreak vengeance on her enemy, John the Baptist.

So, with the hearty consent of Herodias, Salome danced in the midst of here probably to be rendered before or in front of the invited male guests. Had her mother, through womanly intuition aided by intimate knowledge of her husband s weaknesses, guessed what was going to happen? Had she even planned it that way perhaps? However that may have been, when things began to work out the way she wanted she was ready to strike. Evidently her daughter was of one mind with her. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It takes but little i) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 magi) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.21|AUTODETECT|” nation to surmise what kind of guests a Herod would have invited to such a feast. See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.21|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.1.3|AUTODETECT|” . Those, of course, to whom the gratification of sensual delights meant everything. Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Esther 1:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.1.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.1.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.5.1|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 5:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.5.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.5.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.5.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.5.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.23|AUTODETECT|” . Were they even sober as they watched Salome go through her rhythmic movements, dancing bewitchingly and seductively? Her glamorous appearance and exotic movements pleased Herod to such an extent that he, losing all sense of propriety and dignity if he ever had any! and not suspecting that the words he was about to utter might have serious results, promised under oath to give Salome whatever she might ask, even to the half of my kingdom 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.23|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.25|AUTODETECT|” ). The girl, at the instigation of her mother, answered, Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist. Moreover, she wanted it immediately 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.25|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4” 554) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 4 3 8 0 0 Herod Antipas was definitely in a quandary. The king the title is used now in a loose, very general sense, for technically this man was not a king and was never to become one was distressed. His conscience told him that issuing an order for the execution of John was wrong. It amounted to murder. He must also have realized that by doing this he would be heaping upon himself the ill-will of all those people who thought highly of John. On the other hand, ) Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, ) Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned ) Congreve, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Mourning Bride,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Act III. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 I) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 magi) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ne the scorn Herodias would have poured out upon the tetrarch had he refused to play her game now! But at this point she is not even mentioned. She has done her part and can afford to wait developments. The text however does make mention of the consideration that must have weighed heaviest in the king s mental balances, namely, the oaths made publicly and probably also emphatically. How could he ever violate such oaths?��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5” 555) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It can be argued that the way out of his predicament would have been for him to say to Salome, I promised to favor you with a ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 gift;) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 I certainly did not promise to commit a ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 crime) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Or else, I promised ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 you,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 not your mother, a gift. Best of all would have been, I see now that I sinned when I made this promise; hence I retract it. But Herod lacked the courage, humility, and perhaps also the sobriety or clarity of mind, to consider such answers. Of supreme importance to him were the oaths made before the guests, and the necessity not to lose face before them. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 So the order was issued, and Herod Antipas had John beheaded in prison. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6” 556) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Continued: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 11. The head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 It frequently happens that from a banquet dishes are brought to those unable to attend. This, then, was the portion received by the wicked queen. Revenge, how sweet? Rather, how gruesome, and how productive of bitter consequences for both king and queen! ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 As to the results of the tetrarch s action, considered as a whole (rejecting his own wife, marrying Herodias, and murdering John) note the following: ) a. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The increased displeasure of many of the Jews) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 b. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The wrath of Aretas, the father of Herod s rejected wife) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Aretas bitterly resented what Herod Antipas had done to his daughter. He therefore waged war against him and in the ensuing battle the entire army of Herod was destroyed 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 XVIII.114, 116, for both points ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 c. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Banishment) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.1|AUTODETECT|” Gaius Caesar, better known to us as Emperor Caligula, who ruled over the Roman empire from a.d. 37 41, soon after his accession promoted the brother of Herodias, namely, Herod Agrippa I 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 12:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), to the rank of king, with all the honors and emoluments pertaining to that high position. This made Herodias very jealous. She begrudged her brother his rise to power and egged her husband on to embark to Rome and seek equal status. For a while Herod Antipas resisted, but he finally gave in. Herod Agrippa I, however, hearing about this, dispatched Fortunatus, one of his freedmen, to Rome, bearing letters showing that even now Herod Antipas was allied with the Parthians in a conspiracy against the emperor. At the very time when the emperor was greeting Herod Antipas he was also reading these letters from Herod Agrippa.

Since the tetrarch was unable to disprove the evidence against him which the letters contained, he was deprived of all his powers and condemned to perpetual exile in Lyons of Gaul. His tetrarchy was added to the kingdom over which Agrippa reigned. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
As to Herodias? She was with her husband when this sentence was pronounced. When the emperor learned that Herodias was the sister of Agrippa, he, out of consideration for her brother, did not banish her and even allowed her to keep all her personal property. To do her justice it must be stated that whatever spark of virtue was still left in her was shown at this time, for she decided to remain with her husband and to go into exile with him.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
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The story of John the Baptist is concluded as follows: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
12. Then John s disciples came, took away the body and buried it; and they went and reported it to Jesus.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
For the disciples of John see on 9:14; 11:1 3; also ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
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on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.3.25|AUTODETECT|”
John 3:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.3.26|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.3.26|AUTODETECT|”
26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.11.4|AUTODETECT|”
. In view of the fact that these men had been permitted to visit John in his prison it is not surprising that they were also allowed to provide an honorable burial for his decapitated body. The very fact that these disciples, now that their master had been murdered, reported this to Jesus would seem to indicate that they were on friendly terms with the latter; not only that, but that they believed in him. Does not this also seem to indicate that the answer Jesus had sent to John 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.11.4|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 11:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
f) must thus have satisfied John ?��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
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�� For more on John the Baptist see Summary of Chapter 11, p. 506. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
14:13 21 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
The Feeding of the Five Thousand) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.30-41.6.44|AUTODETECT|”
Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.30-41.6.44|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 6:30 44) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.10-42.9.17|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.10-42.9.17|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 9:10 17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.1-43.6.14|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.1-43.6.14|AUTODETECT|”
John 6:1 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
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13 Now upon hearing this, Jesus withdrew from there privately by boat to a lonely place. But when the crowds heard about it they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 So, as he came out he saw a great multitude. He was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick. ) 15 And when it was evening the disciples came to him and said, This is a lonely place, and it is already late in the day; dismiss the crowds, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves. 16 But Jesus said to them, They do not need to go away; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
you) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
give them to eat! 17 They said to him, All we have here is five bread-cakes and two fishes. 18 He said, Bring them here to me. 19 Then he ordered the people to sit down on the grass, took the five bread-cakes and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven gave thanks. He then broke the bread-cakes and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples (gave them) to the people. 20 All ate and were filled. They picked up what was left over of the pieces: twelve baskets full. 21 The number of men who ate was about five thousand, not counting women and children. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.1|AUTODETECT|”
It is clear from ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.1|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 14:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.2|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.2|AUTODETECT|”
2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.12|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.12|AUTODETECT|”
12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.13|AUTODETECT|”
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13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.29-41.6.32|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.29-41.6.32|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 6:29 32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.7-42.9.10|AUTODETECT|”
; and ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.7-42.9.10|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 9:7 10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.13|AUTODETECT|”
, that at least the following items belong to the interval between the execution of John and the withdrawal of Jesus to a desolate place 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.13|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 14:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
): ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
a.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
John s burial, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
b.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
the Baptist s disciples report to Jesus, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
c.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
the report of The Twelve to Jesus regarding their mission tour, and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
d.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.4|AUTODETECT|”
the report to Herod Antipas regarding the works of Jesus, causing the tetrarch to exclaim, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; that s why these miraculous powers are at work in him. All of this may well indicate an activity covering several weeks. It is not strange, therefore, that the feeding of the five thousand, described here in 14:13 21 took place when Passover, probably April of the year a.d. 29, was already approaching, as is clear from ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.4|AUTODETECT|”
John 6:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. The Great Galilean Ministry, probably extending from December, a.d. 27 to April, a.d. 29, is coming to an end. One more year and the Lamb of God will by means of his death on the cross render satisfaction for the sins of all who trust in him. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
13. Now upon hearing this, Jesus withdrew from there privately by boat to a lonely place.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.10|AUTODETECT|”
In view of the immediately preceding context it is natural to interpret this passage as indicating that what Jesus heard was the report of the disciples of John the Baptist regarding the death and burial of their leader and the events that had led to his execution. The shocking intelligence of the Baptist s cruel death required reflection and quiet meditation. Besides, the disciples had recently returned from a mission tour. They must have felt the need to be alone with the Master to tell him all about what had happened. On the busy, western shores especially in Capernaum there was no opportunity for leisure and relaxation. This point is distinctly mentioned by Mark 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.10|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 9:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.11|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.11|AUTODETECT|”
11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.34|AUTODETECT|”
). There is no need, therefore, to link the present withdrawal too closely with the terror in the heart of Herod Antipas, as if Jesus, realizing that the time for him to lay down his life had not yet arrived, were fleeing from him. It must be borne in mind that the withdrawal here mentioned was of a very temporary nature. In fact, presently Jesus is back on the western shore once more, at Gennesaret 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.34|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 14:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.53|AUTODETECT|”
; cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.53|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 6:53) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.59|AUTODETECT|”
), and a little later in the synagogue at Capernaum, where he delivers the discourse on The Bread of Life 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.59|AUTODETECT|”
John 6:59) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.15.21|AUTODETECT|”
). The real Retirement Ministry, therefore, begins not at this point but at ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.15.21|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 15:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.7.24|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.7.24|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 7:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
; see above, pp. 8, 9. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.3-43.6.14|AUTODETECT|”
The statement that Jesus withdrew privately does not mean that he crossed the sea all by himself, without his disciples. His disciples were with him (14:15 19, 22). In ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.3-43.6.14|AUTODETECT|”
John 6:3 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.10|AUTODETECT|”
some are even mentioned by name. The statement means that he wanted to get away from the multitude to be alone for a while with his disciples. The lonely or desolate place to which Jesus and his little company withdrew was in the neighborhood of Bethsaida 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.10|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 9:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
), that is in all probability Bethsaida Julias, originally a fishing village located on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. By the tetrarch Philip it had been rebuilt, strengthened, and named in honor of the daughter of Augustus.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref10
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10”
559) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.3|AUTODETECT|”
About a mile south of this town there is a little plain of rich silt soil. A hill rises just behind this plain. Jesus went up into this hill 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.3|AUTODETECT|”
John 6:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.23|AUTODETECT|”
; cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.14.23|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 14:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). Continued: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
But when the crowds heard about it they followed him on foot from the towns.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.2|AUTODETECT|”
The people from the various towns and villages, noticing that Jesus had stepped into a boat and was heading for Bethsaida Julias, walked around the northern shore of the lake in order to be with him once more. They were definitely impressed with this Worker of miracles 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.2|AUTODETECT|”
John 6:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). They were willing to brave any obstacles to be in his company. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
14. So, as he came out he saw a great multitude. He was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
When Jesus came out from the place on the slope of the hill, to which he had already arrived (verse 13), he saw a great multitude. John describes the scene as follows: Jesus went up into the hill & he lifted up his eyes and observed that a vast crowd was coming toward him (6:3, 5). Luke presents the same idea: the crowds & followed him, and he welcomed them. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref11
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11”
560) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� Instead of addressing this vast crowd as follows, I came here for rest, quiet, and meditation; so please go home and see me some other time, he was moved with compassion for them. Another excellent rendering would be, his heart went out to them. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref12
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12”
561) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� For a fuller discussion of this sympathy see on 8:17 and on 9:36. The needs of people, sick, ignorant, disconsolate, and also hungry (as they were soon to become, verses 15, 16), meant far more to him than his own convenience and ease. So he healed their sick (cf. 4:23, 24; 8:16, 17; 9:35; 11:4, 5), this in spite of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
a. his own) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
need for rest, and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
b. their) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.2|AUTODETECT|”
earthly, materialistic motivations 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.2|AUTODETECT|”
John 6:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.15|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.15|AUTODETECT|”
15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.26|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.26|AUTODETECT|”
26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.66|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.66|AUTODETECT|”
66) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.5.43-40.5.48|AUTODETECT|”
). It must not escape us that by doing this under such circumstances he was also setting an example for the disciples (10:8), and in a sense for the entire church throughout the ages 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.5.43-40.5.48|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 5:43 48) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.27-42.6.36|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.27-42.6.36|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 6:27 36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.13.14|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.13.14|AUTODETECT|”
John 13:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.13.15|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.13.15|AUTODETECT|”
15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.4.32-49.5.2|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.4.32-49.5.2|AUTODETECT|”
Eph. 4:32 5:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.34|AUTODETECT|”
Jesus not only healed the sick but also spent some time in teaching the people 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.34|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 6:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.5-43.6.9|AUTODETECT|”
). All this activity must have taken a considerable amount of time. Almost at once after Jesus from the place where he was had stepped out toward the people, he had asked Philip, testing him, How are we to buy bread-cakes that these people may eat? Philip had answered, Bread-cakes for two hundred denarii would not be sufficient for them so that each might get a little something. So Philip had struggled with this problem, Andrew also. All the time Jesus knew exactly what he was going to do 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.5-43.6.9|AUTODETECT|”
John 6:5 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). But the disciples were at a loss what to do, and this in spite of all the miracles they had already witnessed. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
15. And when it was evening the disciples came to him and said, This is a lonely place, and it is already late in the day; dismiss the crowds, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
Though the sun had not yet set it was becoming late. By means of his miracles and teachings the Lord so captivated the vast crowds that even now they were not leaving. If they were to depart they must be sent away. So the disciples remind their Teacher of the loneliness of the place and the lateness of the hour. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0
This is a lonely place, they say. In other words, this is not a city, containing all kinds of places within easy reach where food may be bought; it is a desolate region. To go to any of the surrounding villages in search of food will take time. Besides, It is already late in the day, or more literally, The time is already past, referring perhaps to the time when food is generally bought. Accordingly they advise Jesus to send the people away right now in order that they may still try to go to the nearby hamlets to buy food for themselves. ) Christ s answer was striking: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
16. But Jesus said to them, They do not need to go away; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 0
you) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
give them to eat.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.37|AUTODETECT|”
This demand baffles the disciples. Does he mean that their very limited material resources will suffice to feed such a vast multitude? Certainly he cannot mean that! See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.37|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 6:37) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.13|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.13|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 9:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
What then does the Master mean when he tells the disciples that they must supply food for this vast multitude? It may be impossible to give a fully satisfactory answer to this question. A few things can be pointed out however. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.49|AUTODETECT|”
a. Jesus means that these men must not be so quick to shake off responsibility. They were often ready to do this very thing, and to say, Dismiss the crowds (here in 14:15); Send her [the Syrophoenician woman] away (15:23). They even rebuked the parents who brought their little children to Jesus that he might bless them (19:13). See also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.49|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 9:49) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.50|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.50|AUTODETECT|”
50) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.5.43-40.5.48|AUTODETECT|”
. Don t bother the Master and don t bother us, was too often their slogan. In the light of this evidence it is safe to say that Jesus wants to remind these men of the fact that simply trying to get rid of people in need is not the solution. It is certainly not God s way of doing things 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.5.43-40.5.48|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 5:43 48) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.11.25-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.11.25-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|”
11:25 30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.27-42.6.38|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.6.27-42.6.38|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 6:27 38) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|”
John 3:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.7.7|AUTODETECT|”
b. He wants them to ask, seek, and knock 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.7.7|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 7:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.7.8|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.7.8|AUTODETECT|”
8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.2.1-43.2.11|AUTODETECT|”
); in other words, to claim God s promise for themselves, and to go to him who is able to supply every need. He who, when there was a shortage, supplied wine 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.2.1-43.2.11|AUTODETECT|”
John 2:1 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
), can he not also supply bread? ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.35|AUTODETECT|”
c. In view of the fact that bread, as the term is used in this account (see verses 17, 19), while referring to be sure, to that which supplies a physical need, is also symbolical of Jesus as the Bread of Life 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.35|AUTODETECT|”
John 6:35) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.48|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.48|AUTODETECT|”
48) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
), is he not also telling these fishers of men that they must be the means in God s hand to supply the ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
spiritual) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
needs of the people? ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
17. They said to him, All we have here is five bread-cakes and two fishes.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.38|AUTODETECT|”
It was Jesus himself who told his disciples to see how many bread-cakes they had. When they knew they said, Five, and two fishes 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.38|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 6:38) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). John s Gospel supplies further details: One of the disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to Jesus, There is a young lad here who has five barley-cakes and two fishes, but what are these for so many? (6:8, 9). For bread the original uses a term that should not be rendered loaves, since this English word has a meaning that is entirely foreign to the sense of the original. What is meant is something that resembles a pancake, flat and round. At times the term used in the original simply means ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
bread) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
What deserves the emphasis here in verse 17 is that these men are giving an answer not of faith but of near-despair, All we have here is & ; even more literally, We do not have (anything) here except five bread-cakes and two fishes. Evidently the disciples had not caught the real meaning of the exhortation, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
You) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
give them to eat. Their Lord is now going to strengthen their faith by means of an unforgettable miracle: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
18, 19. He said, Bring them here to me. Then he ordered the people to sit down on the grass, took the five bread-cakes and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven gave thanks. He then broke the bread-cakes and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples (gave them) to the people.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.40|AUTODETECT|”
Of all the evangelists Matthew is the only one who reports the order, Bring them here to me. Implied is, of course, that the five bread-cakes and the two fishes are bought from the lad and brought to Jesus. The Lord then issues another order, namely, for the people to sit down on the grass. This command was easy to obey, since about this time of the year the slopes of the hill must have been covered with grass. So the people reclined against the hillside. According to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.40|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 6:40) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
they reclined in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
By means of this grouping a charming picture is formed: And they reclined group by group, or possibly even garden-bed by garden-bed, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
if) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
the basic meaning of the original phrase��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref13
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13”
562) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� in the Marcan passage still shines through, which, however, is by no means certain. We may have to be satisfied with the weakened sense in groups or group by group. Nevertheless, there was this strikingly colorful arrangement of people dressed in their bright garments, reclining under the blue vault of heaven, upon the green grass with the Sea of Galilee nearby. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.25.15|AUTODETECT|”
Jesus takes the five bread-cakes and the two fishes. He looks up to heaven. For this lifting heavenward of the eyes in prayer see also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.25.15|AUTODETECT|”
Ps. 25:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.121.1|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.121.1|AUTODETECT|”
121:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.123.1|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.123.1|AUTODETECT|”
123:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.123.2|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.123.2|AUTODETECT|”
2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.141.8|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.141.8|AUTODETECT|”
141:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.11.41|AUTODETECT|”
, 145:15; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.11.41|AUTODETECT|”
John 11:41) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.17.1|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.17.1|AUTODETECT|”
17:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=54.2.8|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=54.2.8|AUTODETECT|”
I Tim. 2:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref14
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14”
563) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.41|AUTODETECT|”
Looking up to heaven Jesus blessed, thus literally. The same verb is also found in the Synoptic parallels 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.41|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 6:41) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.16|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.9.16|AUTODETECT|”
Luke 9:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). John, on the other hand, has having given thanks (6:11). Solution: blessed in this instance means gave thanks, and can be thus translated. When a person blesses or praises God is he not giving thanks to him?��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref15
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15”
564) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.7.29|AUTODETECT|”
�� It was the custom of the Jews to thank God before starting a meal. However, since it is abundantly clear from the Gospels that our Lord never spoke as the scribes, that is, that his words were always characterized by freshness and originality 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.7.29|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 7:29) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
), we may well believe that this was true also on the present occasion. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0
Then from the bread-cakes Jesus begins to break off fragments of edible size. He gives these to his disciples who carry them (in baskets collected here and there from the crowd?) to the people. With the fishes the procedure is somewhat similar. ) The striking beauty of the account is heightened by the fact that only a few simple words are used to relate the miracle of the multiplication of the fragments. One might even say that the miracle is implied rather than expressed: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
20. All ate and were filled.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
Exactly when did the bread and the fish multiply? Under his hands ? Probably, but even this is not stated. All we really know is that there was plenty bread in fact, plenty and to spare for everybody: at some point of time between the breaking of the bread and the reception of the fragments by the people the miracle must have occurred. All men, women, children ate and were filled, that is, had all they wanted, were fully satisfied. For the meaning and history of the verb used in the original see footnote 267 on p. 274. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
They) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
the disciples ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
picked up what was left over of the pieces: twelve baskets full.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
Wastefulness is sinfulness. Besides, even the rabbis had carefully regulated the manner in which what remained of a meal must be gathered and used. So the people were accustomed to this idea. There were others who needed something to eat: the young lad, if he were still around, the disciples, the poor on the day of tomorrow, Jesus himself. Some people must have taken more fragments than they could eat. When the disciples went back, probably each equipped with a large wicker-basket, they collected not less than twelve baskets full of left-over fragments. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
To emphasize the greatness of the miracle the size of the crowd is now indicated: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
21. The number of men who ate was about five thousand, not counting women and children.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
It is probable that the reason at least one of the reasons why the men alone were counted was that they constituted the overwhelming majority. One can hardly i) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
magi) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
ne that many women to whom the care of the little ones was entrusted would have walked all the way from Capernaum and surroundings to the northeastern shores of the Sea of Galilee. Some of this terrain is marshy and difficult. Not counting women and children, no less than five thousand had been miraculously fed. Because the people had been arranged in groups of fifty and one hundred the tally must have been easy. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0
To try to explain or rationalize what happened here is foolish. An example of this attempt is described in N.T.C. on the Gospel according to John, Vol. I, p. 227. ) As to the significance of the miracle, the following should be noted: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.52|AUTODETECT|”
a. It points beyond itself, that is, from the gift to the Giver. This is clear not only from ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.52|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 6:52) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.16.8-40.16.11|AUTODETECT|”
12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.16.8-40.16.11|AUTODETECT|”
Matt. 16:8 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) but also, and especially, from Christ s discourse on The Bread of Life, found in chapter 6 of John s Gospel; see especially verses 35, 48. Jesus is described as the perfect Savior, the One who provides for both body and soul. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.16.15|AUTODETECT|”
b. It also points to Christ as the Fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy, the One to whom the prophets point forward. Had Moses given the Israelites manna 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.16.15|AUTODETECT|”
Exod. 16:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.32|AUTODETECT|”
)? This was but a shadow of him who was the real bread out of heaven 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.32|AUTODETECT|”
John 6:32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=11.17.16|AUTODETECT|”
). Had Elijah been used by God to see to it that the widow s jar of flour was never empty and that her jug of oil did not diminish 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=11.17.16|AUTODETECT|”
I Kings 17:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=12.4.43|AUTODETECT|”
)? And did the people remember how through Elisha a hundred men had been fed with twenty barley-cakes, so that there had been something left over 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=12.4.43|AUTODETECT|”
II Kings 4:43) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=12.4.44|AUTODETECT|”
, ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=12.4.44|AUTODETECT|”
44) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.14|AUTODETECT|”
)? Here, with Jesus at Bethsaida Julias, were more than five thousand people for whom five bread-cakes and two fishes were more than sufficient. It is not surprising that the people said, This is really the prophet who is to come into the world 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.14|AUTODETECT|”
John 6:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.18.15-5.18.18|AUTODETECT|”
; cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.18.15-5.18.18|AUTODETECT|”
Deut. 18:15 18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
_ftnref16
9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16”
565) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
�� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
Yes, the people were filled with enthusiasm the type of fervor which takes hold of a Jewish mob at the season of Passover. They were ready to proceed posthaste to Jerusalem, holding in their midst their ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
strong man) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.18.36|AUTODETECT|”
, that they might crown him king! But he whose kingdom is not of this world 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.18.36|AUTODETECT|”
John 18:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) dismisses this multitude, the disciples also, and proceeds toward the top of the hill, that he may be by himself alone with his heavenly Father, as will be shown in the next section. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
14:22 33 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
Walking on the Water) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.45-41.6.52|AUTODETECT|”
Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=41.6.45-41.6.52|AUTODETECT|”
Mark 6:45 52) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.15-43.6.21|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.15-43.6.21|AUTODETECT|”
John 6:15 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 2 3 8 0 0
22 Then immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, till he should send the crowds away. 23 Now after he had sent the crowds away he went up into the hill by himself to pray, and when evening fell he was there alone. 24 But the boat was already many stadia from the land, battered by the waves, for the wind was from the opposite direction. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. 26 Now when the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were frightened and said, It s a ghost! And they screamed with fear. 27 At once Jesus spoke to them, Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid! 28 Then Peter answered him, Lord, if it be thou, bid me to come to thee on the water. 29 He said, Come. So Peter stepped out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 However, when he saw the wind he got scared, and as he began to sink he cried out, Lord, save me. 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, grabbed him, and said to him, O man of little faith, why did you waver? 32 And when they stepped into the boat the wind ceased. 33 Those in the boat worshiped him, saying, Thou art indeed God s Son. ) This section pictures separation, storm and stress (verses 22 24), fright (verses 25, 26), reassurance (verse 27), wavering (verses 28 31), and worship (verses 32, 33). The first part (verses 22 27) might be viewed as an elaboration of the theme: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
On the Stormy Sea Christ Speaks Peace to His Disciples) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
. So viewed, there is a description ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
a.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
of the disciples without Jesus (verses 22 24); ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
b.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
of the disciples with the unknown Jesus (verses 25, 26); and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
c.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
of the disciples with Jesus, whom they now recognize because he speaks peace to them (verse 27). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
The description of the disciples without Jesus begins as follows: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
22. Then immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, till he should send the crowds away.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
Why did Jesus wish to send the crowds away? A simple answer would be: by now many of these people have been with Jesus a long time, and are a considerable distance away from their homes; moreover, on the basis of 14:15 it can be added that the region is about to be or is already engulfed in darkness. Another very general answer, applicable to many an occasion, suggests itself, namely, the people had to be ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
sent) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
home because, having just now witnessed rather ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
experienced) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.15|AUTODETECT|”
an astounding miracle, they are by no means eager of their own accord to leave the Miracle-worker. There is, however, a more specific reason for the decision of Jesus to dismiss this multitude. It is given in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.6.15|AUTODETECT|”
John 6:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0: the people were about to come and take him by force that they might make him king. Jesus, whose kingdom is spiritual, refuses to become involved in any such definitely earthly, Jewish, political scheme. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.20|AUTODETECT|” Being fully aware of the weaknesses of his own disciples, for whom co-operation with the throng in its unholy political planning constituted a real temptation 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.20|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 20:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), the Lord first of all causes his constant companions to get into a boat and to go ahead of him to the other side. This phrase to the other side must mean to the side opposite from Bethsaida Julias. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.48|AUTODETECT|” Accordingly, the disciples, leaving the northeastern shore sometime between 7:30 and 9:00 P.M.? start to row 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.48|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:48) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.19|AUTODETECT|” John 6:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.45|AUTODETECT|” ) toward western Bethsaida 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.45|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:45) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.16|AUTODETECT|” ), in the vicinity of Capernaum 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.16|AUTODETECT|” John 6:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.17|AUTODETECT|”

6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.34|AUTODETECT|” ) and of the plain of Gennesaret 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 14:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.53|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.53|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:53) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 One reason, perhaps the most important of all, for the dismissal of the disciples and of the crowd, has not yet been mentioned: Jesus wanted to be by himself. He desired to enter into solitary communion with his Father, as is clear from verse ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

Now after he had sent the crowds away he went up into the hill by himself to pray, and when evening fell he was there alone.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.35|AUTODETECT|” Far more significance must be attached to these words than is generally done. During his earthly sojourn Jesus spent much time in prayer. He prayed in lonely places, on a hill, in Gethsemane; in the morning, in the evening, sometimes all night 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.35|AUTODETECT|” Mark 1:35) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.46|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.46|AUTODETECT|” 6:46) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.15|AUTODETECT|” Luke 5:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.16|AUTODETECT|”

6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.12|AUTODETECT|” 6:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.18|AUTODETECT|” 9:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.41|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.41|AUTODETECT|” 22:41) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.42|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.5.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.5.7|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 5:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; etc.). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.0|AUTODETECT|” Not only did he pray for himself; the recorded prayers of Christ offer abundant evidence that he prayed also for others. The longest of these recorded supplications 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.0|AUTODETECT|” John 17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.25|AUTODETECT|” ) may be divided as follows: a prayer for himself (verses 1 5), for the apostles (verses 6 19), and for the Church Universal (verses 20 26). ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.25|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.34|AUTODETECT|” records a prayer of thanksgiving for those whom he affectionately calls his babes. He even prayed for his tormentors 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.34|AUTODETECT|” Luke 23:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.31|AUTODETECT|” , assuming this passage to be authentic). He made intercession for Simon 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.32|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.41|AUTODETECT|” ), and for the people who were standing around at Lazarus tomb 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.41|AUTODETECT|” John 11:41) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.42|AUTODETECT|”
6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.25|AUTODETECT|” ). Even now he not only makes intercession but actually lives in heaven for the very purpose of making intercession 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 7:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.23|AUTODETECT|” We are on safe ground therefore in maintaining that in the quiet of the evening indicated here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.23|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 14:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus, in solitary communion with his Father, prayed not for himself alone, but also for his disciples. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The picture of Jesus on the hill praying for himself, his disciples, etc., must not be separated from that of the disciples on the stormy sea: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

But the boat was already many stadia from the land, battered by the waves, for the wind was from the opposite direction.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.47|AUTODETECT|” John s Gospel mentions twenty-five to thirty stadia, a stadium being about one-eighth of a mile. Hence, the boat had proceeded a distance of about three or four miles. Now if the distance between the point from which the disciples started to the place where they landed was five miles, as seems probable, then these men were now indeed in the midst of the sea 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.47|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:47) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.18|AUTODETECT|” ). Then, while it was already dark a storm arose. And the sea was getting rough, as a strong wind was blowing 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.18|AUTODETECT|” John 6:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The boat was being battered or distressed ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17”

6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� by the waves, says Matthew. Besides, the wind was from the opposite direction; hence, blowing from the west. No wonder that the men were not making any appreciable headway! For a more detailed account of such storms on the Sea of Galilee see above, on 8:24. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 If we had only 14:24 the situation would be gloomy indeed: the violent wind from the opposite direction, the darkness, the angry billows, the absence of Jesus! But, as already indicated, we also have verse 23. O that an artist would reproduce this combined scene: the disciples apparently in peril of losing their lives on this stormy sea, but Jesus on that hill interceding for them, undoubtedly including also this petition, that they might be safeguarded against misleading Messianic conceptions and that their lives might be spared so that they would be able to carry out their tasks. Seen from that angle, were not these men perfectly safe after all? And does not this combined picture have many applications for the present day and for every time of trouble and distress? ) But Jesus intended to do more for the disciples than pray for them. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The fourth watch is from 3 to 6 A.M. (the first being from 6 to 9 P.M., the second from 9 P.M. to 12 midnight, and the third from midnight until 3 A.M.). These many hours shall we say between six and ten hours ? the disciples had been harassed by the elements, and they were still a considerable distance away from their destination. It was then that Jesus came to them, actually walking on the heaving and falling billows. The disciples must discover that they have a Savior who is able not only to still the storm but even to use it as his pathway! For him the very laws of nature are means for the effectuation of his purpose. The winds cannot overturn him.

Are they not his willing messengers? The waves cannot drown him. Are they not his obedient servants? The disciples however were alarmed because of what they thought they were seeing: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 26. Now when the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were frightened and said, It s a ghost! And they screamed with fear.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 With the boat heading southwest, the rowers must have been facing northeast. By the little light there was coming perhaps from the pre-Passover moon intermittently peeping from between the dark clouds they see, probably not far away from them, what looked like a man coming toward them from the direction of Bethsaida Julias. Of course, it could not be a man, for men cannot walk on water! Of this the boat s occupants are sure. They do not realize how wrong they are. Overcome with fear��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18” 567) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� they scream, It s a ghost! They were looking at their Lord and Savior but they thought that they saw an infernal, haunting specter; literally a phantasm, one of the meanings of this English word being ghost. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.42.36|AUTODETECT|” This incident, too, has many applications, for how often do not believers ascribe their unpleasant experiences to the machinations of some sinister power, when in reality they are the manifestations of Christ s loving care? How frequently does not that which at first appears to be a stumbling-block turn out to be a stepping-stone to glory? See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.42.36|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 42:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.50.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.50.20|AUTODETECT|” 50:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.28|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Continued: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 27. At once Jesus spoke to them, Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 [or: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 stop being afraid) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ]. The bracing words, Take courage or Be of good cheer, so characteristic of Christ, have been discussed in connection with 9:2; see on that passage.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19” 568) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� It is I, hence, it is the very Lord who has chosen you as his disciples, has been guiding you step by step, and has already given you so many proofs of his power and love. So, do not be afraid. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Is it not encouraging how very often in Scripture God or Jesus Christ tells his people, Do not be afraid ? A partial list of passages in which this exhortation is found would be ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 1:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.11.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.11.6|AUTODETECT|” 11:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.19.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.19.6|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 19:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.20.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.20.15|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 20:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.32.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.32.7|AUTODETECT|” 32:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.4.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.4.14|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 4:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.49.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.49.16|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 49:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.24|AUTODETECT|” (cf. 27:1); 91:5; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.24|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 10:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.37.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.37.6|AUTODETECT|” 37:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.44.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.44.8|AUTODETECT|” 44:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.7|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 17:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.10|AUTODETECT|” 28:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.36|AUTODETECT|” Mark 5:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.4|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.1|AUTODETECT|” John 14:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.9|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.14|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 3:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . If even we today receive encouragement from the reading of these many assurances, and thrill when we listen to F. Mendelssohn s Be not afraid (from The Elijah), how unforgettably precious must not the comfort have been which the disciples received when by means of this brief command, spoken by the One they adored, they were lifted in one moment from crushing fear to exuberant joy! Moreover, this Be not afraid is well-founded. It is firmly anchored in limitless power and infinite, intensely personal love. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The effect of Christ s words upon Peter is now dramatically portrayed: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 28. Then Peter answered him, Lord, if it be thou, bid me to come to thee on the water.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Impulsive Peter is immediately ready for action. He trusts and loves the Lord, and therefore desires to be with him. From more than one aspect this trust of Peter merits admiration: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 It is the very opposite of the fear which the disciples, not excluding Peter, have expressed a moment ago, when they said, It s a ghost! Peter s if is not that of doubt but amounts to since. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 It implies consciousness of utter dependence on the authority and the power of Jesus. Peter knows that without the Master s permission he will not be allowed to walk on the water, and that apart from Christ s power he will not be able to do so. So he asks that this permission and this power be granted. Peter s action, therefore, starts out as a deed of faith and devotion. Solid evidence of recklessness on his part (see, by contrast, 4:5 7) is completely or at least largely lacking. Also, evidence of boastfulness is absent. We are doing this apostle an injustice when we accuse him of wishing to show off before the others. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 c.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 It shows that Peter grasped something of the significance of Christ s constant teaching with respect to the very close relationship existing between the Lord and those whom he calls his own. The very thought, If Jesus can walk on the water, so, with strength imparted by him, can I, is admirable. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 We are not surprised therefore that Jesus, without a word of rebuke or criticism, gave permission: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 29. He said, Come. So Peter stepped out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.2|AUTODETECT|” He walked (literally) on the waters, idiomatic plural 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 1:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.8|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 5:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.3.13|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 3:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.107.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.107.23|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 107:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Perhaps this plural stems from the fact that in such connections the emphasis is not so much on water as contrasted with land or air or fire, as on the vastness of its expanse and the boisterousness of its many waves. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 For the idea that before the feet of Peter the waters were smooth��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20” 569) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� I can find no support. The stilling of the storm did not take place until later (see verse 32). Besides, this smooth water concept is contradicted by verse ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 30. However, when he saw the wind he got scared, and as he began to sink he cried out, Lord save me.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Peter saw the wind, that is, he saw the effect of the wind upon the billows. As long as he concentrated his attention on Jesus all went well. But the moment he took notice of the boisterous winds and the surging waters he became frightened. Had he been ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 somewhat) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 over confident? However that may be, his faith, though little, was not lost, for as he began to sink��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21” 570) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� he cried to Jesus for help. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.8|AUTODETECT|” A most interesting person, this Peter. He seems to do nothing by halves. When he is good he is very good, when he is bad he is very bad, and when he repents he weeps bitterly. He turns from trust to doubt (14:28, 30), from clear and open profession of Jesus as the Christ to rebuking that very Christ (16:16, 22), from a vehement declaration of loyalty to base denial (26:33 35, 74), from By no means shalt thou wash my feet ever to Not my feet only but also my hands and my head 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.8|AUTODETECT|” John 13:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.4|AUTODETECT|” ). See also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.4|AUTODETECT|” John 20:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Nevertheless, by the grace and power of the Lord this Simon was transformed into a true Peter. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The Lord does not disappoint his wavering disciple, who in his distress has cried to him for help: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 31. Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, grabbed him, and said to him, O man of little faith, why did you waver?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Strictly speaking it would not have been necessary for Jesus to reach out his hand to rescue Peter. A simple command would have sufficed. But was not the method which the Lord actually used reassuring? Jesus wanted Peter to feel his love as well as to experience his power. See also on 8:3 and 9:25. ) The Lord calls Peter a man of little faith. For this expression see on 6:30. Doubt or wavering had entered Peter s heart because for a moment he had looked away from Jesus, that is, he had failed to rest the eye of his faith upon the Master. He had not sufficiently taken to heart the comfort he should have derived from the presence, promises, power, and love of Christ. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 32. And when they stepped into the boat the wind ceased.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Jesus had just shown that he could make use of the elements of nature. Now he proves that he is also able to cause them to stop their raging. He had done this before (8:23 27). At ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 that) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 time the storm was at its height when he was in the boat. He stilled it. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Now) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.21|AUTODETECT|” he causes it to cease when he steps into the boat. Either way he is always in full control. So also, through faith his followers are always secure. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.21|AUTODETECT|” John 6:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 reports that all at once the boat was at the land where they were going. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Jesus had walked upon the water. He had even enabled Peter to do likewise. He had rescued Peter. He had stilled the storm. He had done all this ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and more!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 He had walked upon the water ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to them,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to be with them and to comfort them, to strengthen them in their faith. Thus the power and the love of their Lord had been gloriously manifested. The effect of all this is described in verse ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 33. Those in the boat worshiped him, saying, Thou art indeed God s Son.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Those in the boat fell at his feet in humble adoration. For the meaning of the verb worshiped see on 2:11.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22” 571) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� By acknowledging Jesus as God s Son or as the Son of God ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref23 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23” 572) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� they confess that they now realize that what the Father had previously declared (3:17; cf. 17:5) and what even the demons had confessed (8:29) was true indeed. They are overwhelmed by the infinite power and love of Jesus, that is, by the fact that he was able to do what he had just done, and was willing to do it ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for them!) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 14:34 36 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Healings in Gennesaret) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.53-41.6.56|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.53-41.6.56|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:53 56) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 34 Having crossed over they landed at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent (messengers) to the entire surrounding region; and they brought to him all that were ill, 36 begging him to allow them merely to touch the tassel of his garment; and all who touched were cured. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 34. Having crossed over they landed at Gennesaret.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.1|AUTODETECT|” This is the name of a densely populated and fertile plain south of Capernaum. It measures about 3 miles in length along the Sea of Galilee 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.1|AUTODETECT|” Luke 5:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and 1� miles in width away from the shore. According to Josephus the plain produced walnuts, palms, figs, olives, and grapes. As indicated previously, from the landing place Jesus will proceed to nearby Capernaum, but not until he has blessed the people of this region by means of his gracious presence, as is now indicated: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 35, 36. And when the men of that place recognized him they sent (messengers) to the entire surrounding region; and they brought to him all that were ill, begging him to allow them merely to touch the tassel of his garment, and all who touched were cured.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The men, rather than the women and children, were the travelers (see also on 14:21). On previous trips away from home perhaps to Capernaum these men had become acquainted with Jesus. In all probability they had seen him perform miracles (see 11:23). So they spread the news of Jesus presence, with the result that they, the people of the surrounding towns and villages, brought to Jesus all those who were afflicted with any sickness whatever, exactly as in 4:24; 8:16. Those who brought their sick also implored Jesus to allow the diseased merely to touch the tassel of his garment (for this tassel see on 9:20, 21); so great was their faith in Jesus as a Miracle-worker! All who touched were cured.

Does this mean that only those who by what is generally called saving faith touched Jesus were healed? Not necessarily. The ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 main) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 point of the story is not the faith of men whether of the sick or of those who brought them but the power and love of Christ, as is evident also from 4:24; 8:16, 17; 9:13, 36; 12:7; 14:14. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Summary of Chapter 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 Though Jesus did not perform many miracles in Nazareth (13:58), he did accomplish a great many elsewhere, so that this news reached even the palace of King Herod Antipas, causing him to exclaim, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; that s why these miraculous powers are at work in him (14:1, 2). Thus the opening section (verses 1 12) of chapter 14 is introduced. ) The king was deeply disturbed, for he had murdered the Baptist. It had come about in this way: On a trip to Rome to visit his half-brother Herod Philip, Herod Antipas had eloped with his host s wife, Herodias. When John hears about the incestuous marriage he repeatedly rebukes the king, telling him, It isn t right for you to have her. Herodias, realizing that her married state is insecure, wants her new husband to kill John. However, the king is afraid of the people, many of whom have high regard for the Baptist.

So the ruler compromises by having John imprisoned. At Herod s birthday party Salome, the daughter of Herodias, so fascinates the king by her dancing that with an oath he promises to give her whatever she asks. Prompted by her mother, she asks for the head of John the Baptist. So John is beheaded in prison. His disciples come, remove the body, bury it, and report the entire story to Jesus. ) The next paragraph (verses 13 21) implies that the shocking intelligence of the Baptist s cruel death requires reflection and quiet meditation. Besides, The Twelve had recently returned from a mission tour.

To give them an opportunity to rest a while from their labors and to tell their Master all that had happened Jesus takes them with him to Bethsaida Julias, located on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Arrived there Jesus, looking down from a hill, sees a great multitude. Filled with compassion he heals their sick and teaches. Toward evening the disciples say to him, The place is lonely and it is already late in the day; dismiss the crowds, that they may go into the villages and may buy food for themselves. Jesus answers, They do not need to go away; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.9|AUTODETECT|” give them to eat. By saying this the Lord impresses upon them their own responsibility with respect to the crowds in need of both physical and spiritual sustenance. Then, by means of five bread-cakes and two fishes 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.9|AUTODETECT|” John 6:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) Jesus, after giving thanks, miraculously feeds five thousand persons, not counting women and children. The disciples pick up what is left over of the pieces of bread: twelve baskets full. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verses 22 27 show how Jesus, having dismissed the crowds and having ordered the disciples into a boat to go back to the western shore, remains for a few more hours in the region where he had performed the great miracle. Here he goes up into the hill by himself to pray, so that when evening falls he is there alone. The paragraph pictures ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the disciples, frightened by a storm and without Jesus; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the disciples with the unknown Jesus; that is, with someone who is walking on the water toward them and whom they regard to be a ghost; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 c.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the disciples with Jesus whom they now recognize because he has made himself known to them, saying, Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid. There follows the episode of Peter walking on the water, then becoming afraid, and in the nick of time being rescued by the Lord. When Jesus and Peter step into the boat the wind ceases. Those in the boat worship Jesus, confessing him to be God s Son (verses 28 33). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In the closing paragraph (verses 34 36) the power and love of the Savior again stand out, as in the fertile plain of Gennesaret, south of Capernaum, he heals all that are brought to him. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 551 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 For a discussion of the tentative dates during which the various events of Christ s ministry occurred see N.T.C. on the Gospel according to John, Vol. I, pp. 36, 188, 189; also the author s ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bible Survey) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 59 62. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 552 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Note the imperfect tense: ��. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 553 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 In addition to the sources mentioned in footnote 465 on p. 483 see also the vivid description of this fortress and its prison in A. Edersheim, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Vol. I, pp. 658 660. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 554 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.25|AUTODETECT|” The noun �� can also be translated plate or dish ; cf. pine-board. In modern Greek �� means a board or table. The rendering of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.25|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:25) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 b found in the A.V. I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist was undoubtedly excellent in its day, but fails to convey any clear meaning today. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 555 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Josephus mentions still another reason that may have influenced Herod in reaching his decision, namely, that with John the Baptist still alive and popular the people might have been willing to follow his advice even if he should urge them to start a political revolt 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 XVIII.118, 119). Nothing of the kind is hinted in Scripture. Nevertheless, there may have been some truth in it. It is not in conflict with anything in Matthew s or Mark s text. But we may rest assured that the inspired authors, in stressing the matter of the oaths given before the dinner guests, are stating that which for Herod Antipas really decided the issue. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 556 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Though in rendering �� most translators use two verbs , just why this is needed is not clear, especially because it is well known that in such combinations the idea of sent recedes to the background. With N.E.B. I therefore prefer, he & had John beheaded. So also the Dutch Bible (Nieuwe Vertaling): & ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 en hij liet Johannes in de gevangenis onthoofden) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 557 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See the very moving account of this attempt of Herod Antipas and Herodias that failed so dismally, in Josephus ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Antiquities) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 XVIII.238 256. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” N.T.C. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 W. Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 558 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 R. C. H. Lenski, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 p. 544. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 559 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 For the reasons in support of the position that it was indeed Bethsaida Julias see N.T.C. on the Gospel according to John, Vol. I, pp. 216 218. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 560 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See F. W. Grosheide, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Het Heilig Evangelie volgens Mattheus) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Commentaar op het Nieuwe Testament) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), p. 233: From the remote place to which Jesus had arrived he steps forward and meets the multitude. This is also Lenski s view, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 545, 546. It certainly seems to be supported by Matthew, Luke, and John, all of whom picture Jesus as disembarking before the arrival of the great multitude. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 They) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 follow. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 He) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.33|AUTODETECT|” gets there first, goes up the hill, then sees the crowds gathering and goes out to meet them. When three of the four Gospels are in agreement on this point, as they are, it is not wise to overthrow all this and to follow what ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.33|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:33) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 b (of which there are many textual variants) may seem to say. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 561 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The verb is ��. On the cognate noun see footnote 39, p. 58 of N.T.C. on Philippians. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 562 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The phrase is ��v ��. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 563 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The subject ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Prayer Postures) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is treated in some detail in N.T.C. on I and II Timothy and Titus, pp. 103 104. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 564 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 In the present tense, first per. sing. indic. the two verbs are �P�� and �P��. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 565 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See G. E. P. Cox, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Gospel according to St. Matthew) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , London, 1952, p. 103. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 566 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.6|AUTODETECT|” Matthew uses the pres. pass. participle, nom., sing. neut. ��, from ��. It reminds us of the centurion s boy who was fearfully tortured 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.6|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ), of the demoniacs who asked Jesus, Do you come here to torture us before the apointed time? (8:29), of Lot, who was distressed or vexed by the lawless deeds of his wicked neighbors 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.8|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 2:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.5|AUTODETECT|” ); to which can be added the instances of the use of this word in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.5|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 9:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.10|AUTODETECT|” 11:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.2|AUTODETECT|” 12:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.10|AUTODETECT|” 14:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.10|AUTODETECT|” 20:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.24|AUTODETECT|” . Jesus came to heal those who were distressed by torments 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 4:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ); the noun �� indicating ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 a.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 basically, a touchstone to test gold and other metals; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the instrument of torture by which men for example, slaves were tested, i.e., forced to reveal the truth; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 c.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 as in 4:24, where it occurs in the plural, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 torments) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 acute pains) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 567 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Greek �� third per. pl. aor. indic. passive of ��, a very interesting verb, see on 2:3. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 568 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.27|AUTODETECT|” The verb is ��, sec. pers. pl. pres. imperat. of ��. A similar verb is ��. In the sense in which the latter is a synonym of the one used here in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.27|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 14:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.6|AUTODETECT|” it is found in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.6|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 13:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (in the form ��), in which being courageous is again very closely linked with the presence of the Lord and the help he grants. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 569 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 R. C. H. Lenski, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 556, 557. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 570 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Greek ��; literally, to plunge ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 down) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 into ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the sea,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a very picturesque word. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 571 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.0|AUTODETECT|” In the New Testament the verb �� occurs with great frequency in the Gospel according to Matthew, in ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.0|AUTODETECT|” John 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , and in the book of Revelation; elsewhere its use is scattered. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 572 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 In the present case either rendering is correct. Titles can be definite even without the article, and it would be difficult to i) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 magi) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ne that these Jewish monotheists would have regarded Jesus as being one of many deities. They now see the one and only true God manifested in Jesus.)

New Testament Commentary (Baker)

William Hendriksen (1900–1982) was a Dutch-American Reformed theologian and professor at Calvin Theological Seminary. His New Testament Commentary series, later completed by Simon J. Kistemaker, covers the entire New Testament and is one of the most highly regarded Reformed commentary sets of the …

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