Verse of the Day
Author Spotlight
Loading featured author...
Report Issue
See a formatting issue or error?
Let us know →
When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out for fear.
Verse Takeaways
1
Fear of the Supernatural
Commentators note the disciples, as seasoned sailors, were not afraid of the storm but were "terrified" by what they saw. Their fear stemmed from the common cultural belief that a figure walking on water must be a ghost, demon, or an evil omen. This shows how fear can be rooted in misunderstanding and superstition rather than the reality of God's presence.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
Matthew
Author
Audience
Composition
Teaching Highlights
Outline
+ 5 more
See Overview
11
18th Century
Presbyterian
They were troubled. They were afraid. The sight was remarkable. It was sufficient to awe them. In the dark night, amidst the tumultuous bi…
They were troubled (εταραχθησαν). Much stronger than that. They were literally "terrified" as they saw Jesus walking on the sea.
19th Century
Baptist
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troub…
Your support helps us maintain this resource for everyone
The Romans divided the night from sunset to sunrise into four watches (reflected here). Jesus’ approach to the boat therefore occurred between 3:00…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea It was now morning, and perhaps there might have been moonlight; a…
Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, on special occasions, and when we find our…
Get curated content & updates
13th Century
Catholic
After having excluded Herod’s opinion, here the Evangelist mentions the power of Christ’s doctrine. For its power is threefold: it feeds, it rescue…
