Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 14:33

"And they that were in the boat worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God." — Matthew 14:33 (ASV)

Those who were in the ship — The particular description was apparently intended to distinguish them from Peter and the other disciples. It probably indicates that they were the crew of the boat or some chance passengers who had no previous knowledge of our Lord and His works.

In that moment of wonder, they too were led to confess that the Prophet of Nazareth was more than a man. In this, as far as the Gospel record goes, they anticipated the faith of even the foremost of the disciples. It is significant that Peter’s confession that He was the Son of God, or the Holy One of God (John 6:69), follows shortly after this.