Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 21:20

"And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How did the fig tree immediately wither away?" — Matthew 21:20 (ASV)

And when the disciples saw it — Here again, St. Mark’s narrative (Mark 11:20–21) seems to be both the fullest and the most precise. As he relates the facts, the disciples did not perceive that the fig tree was withered away until they passed by on the following morning. Peter then remembered what had been said the day before and, as the spokesman for the others, drew his Master’s attention to the fact. The immediate withering may have been inferred from its completeness when it was seen, or its beginning may have been noticed by some at the time.