But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Verse 30. When he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid] It was by faith in the power of Christ he was upheld; when that faith failed, by which the laws of gravitation were suspended, no wonder that those laws returned to their wonted action, and that he began to sink. It was not the violence of the winds, nor the raging of the waves, which endangered his life, but his littleness of faith.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
30. But when he saw the windboisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying,Lord, save me(Also see on Mr6:50.)
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
But when he saw the wind boisterous,…. Or “strong”, blowing hard against him, and raising up the waves, which beat with great violence upon him,
he was afraid; though Christ was so nigh him, and he had had such an instance of his power in bearing him up, causing him to walk upon the waters thus far; which shows, that his faith was imperfect:
and beginning to sink; through fear, and the violence of the wind and waves, just ready to be immersed, and go down to the bottom of the sea,
he cried; being in a great fright and much danger, and with great importunity and eagerness,
saying, Lord, save me: I am just going, I shall certainly perish else; still having so much faith in Christ, that he was able to save him in the last extremity.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Seeing the wind ( ). Cf. Ex 20:18 and Re 1:12 “to see the voice” ( ). “It is one thing to see a storm from the deck of a stout ship, another to see it in the midst of the waves” (Bruce). Peter was actually beginning to sink () to plunge down into the sea, “although a fisherman and a good swimmer” (Bengel). It was a dramatic moment that wrung from Peter the cry: “Lord, save me” (, ), and do it quickly the aorist means. He could walk on the water till he saw the wind whirl the water round him.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
He was afraid. “Although,” says Bengel, “a fisherman and a good swimmer” (Joh 21:7).
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) But when he saw the wind boisterous,” (blepon de ton anemon) “Then glancing at the wind,” which was churning up boisterous waves, Mat 14:24.
2) “He was afraid;” (ephobethe) “He was fearful,” afraid, seized again with fear, as when he first thought Jesus was a phantom spirit, Mat 14:26; Luk 8:24-25.
3) “And beginning to sink, he cried, saying,” (kai arksamenos katapontizesthai ekraksen legon) “And beginning to sink, he screamed, saying,” repeatedly crying, out as he was going down, from the moment fear seized upon him, when he took a (Gk. blepon) “glance,” at the wind swept waves; The Lord saves or delivers all who cry unto Him, Psa 40:1-3; Psa 145:18-19.
4) “Lord, save me.” (kurie, soson me) “Lord, save me,” Lord save me, Lord save me. In desperation he cried, similar to a former cry of His disciples, Mat 8:25. Peter walked on the waters but feared the wind, a strange mixture and conflict of faith and doubt, common to all men, often doing great things, then stumbling at little things, hindered by little faults. Yet blessed is the thought that in such, our Savior is always near, ready to rescue at our faintest cry of total surrender, 1Co 10:13; Isa 55:6-7; Php_4:19; Heb 13:5.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(30) When he saw the wind boisterous.The adjective is wanting in the best MSS.
He was afraid.In the conflict between sight and faith, faith was worsted, and with that came fear. The supernatural strength left him, and the swimmers art would not now avail, and so the waters were closing over him, and he cried out in his agony. And then the gracious pity of his Lord helped the little faith with the firm sustaining grasp, not, indeed, without a word of loving reproof, and yet as unwilling even here to quench the smoking flax.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
30. The wind boisterous The windy waves were stronger than Peter’s faith.
“To understand the causes of these sudden and violent tempests we must remember that the lake lies low, six hundred feet lower than the ocean; that the vast and naked plateaus of the Jaulan rise to a great height, spreading backward to the wilds of the Hauran and upward to snowy Hermon; that the water-courses have cut out profound ravines and wild gorges, converging to the head of this lake, and that these act like gigantic funnels to draw down the cold winds from the mountains. The faith of Peter in desiring and daring to set foot on such a sea is most striking and impressive, more so indeed than its failure after the attempt. Those winds are not only violent, but they come down suddenly, and often when the sky is perfectly clear.” Dr. Thomson.
There can be but little fair doubt that this was a symbol as well as a miracle. The ship full of disciples is no unapt symbol of the Church struggling through darkness and storms. The Saviour is ever her deliverer in the darkest hour.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me.” ’
However, having bold faith while standing in the boat was one thing, maintaining it in the face of a strong wind stirring up the waves was another. And he was suddenly seized with fear and began to sink. As usual he had taken on more than he could cope with. We are left to surmise that if there had been no wind, there would have been no problem. The description ‘saw the wind’ (i.e. the effect that it was having) indicates that he took his eyes of Jesus, and that that was when his problems began. Up to that point he had only seen Jesus.
Then Peter called out, “Lord, save me.” But note that there was still faith there. He might not be able to trust himself, but He still knew that the Lord could save him. He knew that the Lord had no fear of the wind.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
DISCOURSE: 1369
PETER SAVED WHEN SINKING IN THE SEA
Mat 14:30-31. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
MENS constitutional propensities are apt to betray them into many errors. Whatever be the natural frailties of any person, they usually form the weak part of his character even to his latest hour. The force of them is no where more strongly exhibited than in the conduct of Peter. He was of a bold, forward, confident disposition. This led him on many occasions to act with indiscretion and often brought upon him a just reproof. In the passage before us he needlessly solicited a trial of his faith, and the experiment terminated in his shame.
The account given of it in the text, leads us to observe,
I.
That we should not unnecessarily expose ourselves to temptation
[Peter doubtless was in part actuated by faith and love: but, in soliciting permission to display the grace of which he supposed himself possessed, he erred. There was no more occasion for him to venture thus upon the waters, than for any other of the Apostles to do it. And, in affecting this distinction above all his brethren, he betrayed a considerable measure of pride and vain glory: and, in acceding to his request, our Lord chiefly designed to make him sensible of his own weakness. In fact, this attempt to display his faith and courage, was overruled for the discovering of his cowardice and unbelief and of putting him to shame for his overweening conceit and forwardness. And thus will God deal with us, if, under an idea of our ability to withstand temptation, we expose ourselves needlessly to its assaults. Who does not see the folly of Dinah in going to visit the daughters of an heathen people, and of subjecting herself to the temptation by which she fell? Yet is her example followed by thousands amongst ourselves, who associate with ungodly companions, and frequent places of vain amusement, and expose themselves to temptations of various kinds, under an idea that they can take fire in their bosoms, and not be burned! But their folly will sooner or later be manifest, even as Peters was. As then our Lord cautions us against worldly-mindedness by the example of Lots wife, so would I caution all of you, my brethren, against self-confidence by the sad example of Peter. On another occasion, Peter sinned yet far more grievously through a mistaken notion of his power to maintain his integrity. He went from mere idle curiosity to see the issue of his masters trial in the hall of Pilate, and there he denied his Lord with oaths and curses. And what may result from an unnecessary exposure of yourselves to temptation, God alone knows. But I would put you all upon your guard, and say to every one amongst you, Remember Peters infirmity, with the danger consequent upon it.
But you may further learn from this history,]
II.
That, if in the way of providence we are called to trials, we need not fear them
[When Peter had once obtained his Lords command to come to him upon the waters, he had no occasion for fear. If the water was made so firm as to sustain his weight, what reason had he to fear the waves? Hence our Lord justly reproved his unbelief, saying, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? In this he has shewn how weak we all are, when we come into temptation. Though we ourselves, both in body and soul, are living miracles, yet we forget the power that has hitherto upheld us, and are ready to tremble at the prospect of some overwhelming calamity, as though it were impossible for us to support it. The Hebrews had seen all Gods wonders in Egypt, and yet on every fresh occasion of difficulty they yielded to desponding apprehensions. And thus we also are prone to fear, whenever any heavy trial occurs. But if we saw an armed host behind us, and an impassable ocean before our face, we should not question for a moment the power or veracity of God, but say to the one, Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel, thou shalt become a plain; and to the other, God will make the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over. All that we have to ascertain is, whether we are in the path of duty: and, if in that respect we can see the pillar and the cloud leading the way, we need not fear all that either men or devils can do against us. This was the experience of David [Note: Psa 46:1-3.], and it should be ours. For it is certain,]
III.
That whatever trials we may be brought into, the prayer of faith will be effectual for our deliverance
[Lord, save me! cried Peter in his extremity: and the hand of Jesus, stretched out, saved him instantly from his peril. And where shall we find, in all the sacred records, one instance of any person calling upon the Lord in vain? The troubles of David were on many occasions exceeding heavy; yet did the prayer of faith procure for him deliverance from them all [Note: Psa 40:1-3.]. And thus shall it prove with us, if only, with the simplicity of Peters affiance, we cry, Lord, save me! Let us suppose that we were, in a spiritual view, in the very predicament of Peter: let us suppose that, under loads of guilt and storms of corruption, we felt ourselves sinking into perdition; the Publicans prayer, uttered from the heart, should prevail to allay the storm, and to bring us in safety to the haven of eternal rest. Only let us not limit either the power or grace of Christ, and we shall be saved by him with an everlasting salvation.]
Address
1.
The presumptuous
[No man, whatever he may have attained, is at liberty to expose himself to needless temptations. The injunction given to every child of man is, Be not high-minded, but fear: Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall. To young people especially would I give this salutary caution: To rush into temptation without necessity, is to tempt the Lord. It is only whilst with all holy watchfulness we keep ourselves, that we can hope effectually to be preserved by God.]
2.
The doubtful
[The reproof given to Peter, O thou of little faith; wherefore didst thou doubt? is justly applicable to us, if, under any circumstances whatever, we yield to a desponding spirit. For, is not the Lord Jesus present with us? and is he not as able to save as ever! What if, with Jonah, we were brought, as it were, into the very belly of hell, could not the same power as restored him deliver us also [Note: Jon 2:1-7.]? Only take the promises of God for your support, and they shall never fail you: for they are all yea and Amen in Christ Jesus [Note: 2Co 1:20.].]
3.
The confirmed believer
[You, if in other respects you are walking uprightly, bring much glory to your God. There is nothing that honours God so much as faith, and nothing that dishonours him so much as unbelief. Other sins pour contempt upon the law: but unbelief reflects upon the Lawgiver, as calling in question his veracity, or power, or love. Be ye then as lights in a dark world. The world look only to second causes: you must shew them that every thing, even to the falling of a sparrow, is under the direction of the first Great Cause, who alone is worthy to be regarded with either fear or love. At the same time let your confidence in God be humble, without ostentation before men, and without unhallowed boldness before God. Then may you expect to be preserved from all dangers; and both the Church and the world will be edified by your example.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
Ver. 30. But when he saw the wind boisterous ] Every bird can sing in a sunny day; and it is easy to swim in a warm bath; but to believe in an angry God, as David; in a killing God, as Job; to stick to him in deepest desertion, as the Church, Psa 44:17-18 ; to trust in his name, and stay upon his word, where there is darkness and no light, asIsa 50:10Isa 50:10 ; to cast anchor even in the darkest night of temptation, when neither sun nor stars appear, as Paul and his company, Act 27:20 , praying still for day, and waiting till it dawn, O quam hoc non est omnium! this is not in the power of every Peter, who yet shall be graciously supported that they faint not, neither sink under the heaviest burden of their light afflictions. It was not so much the strength of the wind, as the weakness of his faith, that put Peter into this fit of fear. Be we faithful in weakness, though weak in faith, and it shall go well with us. Be as a ship at anchor, which, though it move much, yet removes not at all.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Mat 14:30 . , seeing the wind, that is, the effects of it. It is one thing to see a storm from the deck of a stout ship, another to see it in midst of the waves. : he walked at first, now he begins to sink; so at the final crisis, so at Antioch (Gal 2:11 ), so probably all through. A strange mixture of strength and weakness, bravery and cowardice; a man of generous impulses rather than of constant firm will. “Peter walked on the water but feared the wind : such is human nature, often achieving great things, and at fault in little things.” ( , , Chrys., H. 1.)
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
he saw the wind boisterous. He looked at the circumstances instead of the Lord. This was the secret of his (and of our) failure.
sink = be overwhelmed in the sea. Greek. katapontizomai. Occurs only here and Mat 18:6.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Mat 14:30. , seeing) Peter both felt the wind, and saw it on the waves.- the wind.) The wind had been strong before that, but had not been so much observed by Peter.-, he was afraid) Although he was a fisherman, and a good swimmer; see Joh 21:7. They who have begun to depend on grace are less able to employ nature.-, to sink) According to the measure of his faith, he was supported by the water; just as the Israelites prevailed according as the hands of Moses were held up.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
when: Mat 26:69-75, 2Ki 6:15, Mar 14:38, Mar 14:66-72, Luk 22:54-61, Joh 18:25-27, 2Ti 4:16, 2Ti 4:17
boisterous: or, strong
Lord: Mat 8:24, Mat 8:25, Psa 3:7, Psa 69:1, Psa 69:2, Psa 107:27-30, Psa 116:3, Psa 116:4, Lam 3:54-57, Jon 2:2-7, 2Co 12:7-10
Reciprocal: Exo 14:10 – sore afraid Jdg 1:19 – but could Jdg 4:8 – General Psa 12:1 – Help Jer 17:14 – save Mat 8:26 – Why Mat 17:20 – Because Luk 8:24 – Master
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
BEGINNING TO SINK
Beginning to sink.
Mat 14:30
St. Peter, who just before had his footing firm, and felt the sea like adamant, has now no standing ground. What was under him like a rock gives way, and he has nothing certain on which to rest.
I. Beginning to sink.It is the picture of thousands. It is only a little while ago that you were walking with a sense of security; you felt everything sure underneath you. What has made it that now you seem to have hold upon nothing? Promises the securest have lost their power, and the World yields to you no strength. But to all this there is a secret key,Christ is not to you now what He once was. You used to feel an imparted strength and joy every time you opened your Bible, and when you prayed, and when you came to Holy Communion,but it is gone,why? Simply, you are not looking at Christ steadily, only, expectingly, trustingly, as when you first set out. The consequence is evident. What was below you, is now over youwhat was your servant, is becoming your masterwhat you trampled under foot, is gaining ascendancy over you every day.
II. Saved.Let us see the escape. In his humiliation, and fear, and emptiness, the eye of St. Peter, which had wandered in the pride of his first confident marching,went back to Christ. It was the mark that he was a child of God still. You, who feel that you have sunk, and are sinking, just go back again, and let Jesus be to you, and you be to Jesus, as it once was. Look to Jesus, and as you look, tell your fear and confess your shame. Lord, save me, I perish. There may be a gentle reproof on His lips, but there will be a strength in that arm such as you never felt before.
III. Restored.Restored to the communion of the then Church, which, perhaps, he had too lightly thought of, and in the presence and the shadow of Jesus, Whom he had first mistaken and then slighted, all was safe and Peter was at peace.
Many, many are the sainted ones now, who could say, I date my mountings to my fallings,I never half knew what Christ was, or what myself was, till I fell,and when I began to sink, then did I indeed begin to rise.
The Rev. James Vaughan.
Illustration
It is usual in some swimming schools to teach beginners by sending them into the water with a belt around their waist, to which is attached a rope, which again is connected with an over-reaching arm of wood. As the learner gains confidence the rope is slackened, and he is left to support himself by his own efforts. The master stands by, watching the boys struggles, ready to note any sign of real danger. When danger is seen, the rope is again tightenedat the right moment, not beforeand the boy is taken out of the water. Jesus knows how long to withhold help and when to bring it. He came to the struggling disciples in the fourth watch of the night.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
4:30
The power of the Lord is not affected by any apparent difficulties. Peter had started on his journey over the sea and had evidence that Jesus was there. He also should have remembered the previous event (chapter 8:23-27) in which the sea was calmed by the Lord’s voice. But his human nature got the better of him and he began to sink. Of course Jesus would not let his disciple perish, but he used the occasion to rebuke him by allowing him to think he was going to sink and perish.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Mat 14:30. But when he saw the wind. Boisterous, or strong, is omitted by the best authorities. He was going against the wind. This favors the theory of their course, advanced in the notes on Mat 14:24. The other view would imply that Jesus had walked past them and turned towards them.So long as Peter looked to Jesus only, he had by faith the power of Jesus to rise above the waters, but when he looked at the waves, beginning to doubt, he began to sink. Peter could swim (Joh 21:7); yet in his terror he seems to have lost even his natural attainments. To be near Christ in person avails nothing, unless we are near Him by faith. Peter sinks without Christ; clinging to his successors instead of Christ, must be in vain.
Lord, save me. Comp. Psa 107:27-28. His faith, too weak to enable him to walk to Christ, was strong enough to call to Christ.