Commentary on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2.pdf

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
the midst of our course of employments. 383 Meanwhile, the Lord indulges our weakness, and
stretches out his hand, that the waters may not swallow us up altogether. It must also be observed
that Peter, when he perceives the unhappy and painful consequences of his rashness, betakes himself
to the mercy of Christ. And we too, though enduring just punishment, ought to betake ourselves to
him, that he may have compassion on us, and bestow the aid of which we are unworthy.
31. O man of little faith. While our Lord kindly preserves Peter, he does not connive at Peter’s
fault. Such is the object of the chastisement administered, when Peter is blamed for the weakness
of his faith. But a question arises, Does every kind of fear give evidence of a weakness of faith?
for Christ’s words seem to imply that, where faith reigns, there is no room for doubt. 384 I reply:
Christ reproves here that kind of doubt which was directly opposed to faith. A man may sometimes
doubt without any fault on his part; and that is, when the word of the Lord does not speak with
certainty on the matter. But the case was quite different with Peter, who had received an express
command from Christ, and had already experienced his power, and yet leaves that twofold support,
and falls into foolish and wicked fear.
33. They that were in the ship. I understand these words to refer not only to the disciples, but
to the sailors and other passengers. So then those who had not yet declared that he was their Master,
instantly acknowledge that he is the Son of God, and by this term render to him the honor of the
Messiah. Though at that time this lofty mystery was not generally known, how God was to be
manifested in the flesh, (1 Timothy 3:16,) yet as they had learned from the prophets, that he who
was to be the Redeemer would be called the Son of God, those who under this designation proclaim
the glory of Christ, declare their belief that he is the Christ. 385
MATTHEW 14:34-36; MARK 6:53-56
Matthew 14:34-36
Mark 6:53-56
34. And when they had passed over, they 53. And when they had passed over, they
came into the country of Gennesareth. 35. And came into the country of Gennesareth, and
when the men of that place had recognized him, landed. 54. And when they had left the ship, they
immediately knew him. 386 they sent messengers into all the surrounding
55. And, running
country, and brought to him all that were through all that country round about, they began
diseased. 36. And besought him that they might to carry to him in beds those that were sick,
383 “Ainsi les vaines et folles pensees de la chair font qu’a tous coups nous defaillons au milieu des affaires, comme si nous
estions plongez en l’eau iusques par dessus la teste;” — “so the vain and foolish thoughts of the flesh cause us to stumble at
every step in the midst of business, as if we were plunged in the water over the head.”
384 “Que Doute et Crainte ne peuvent avoir lieu ou la foy regne;” — “that Doubt and Fear cannot have place where faith reigns.”
385 “Declarent qu’ils croyent qu’il est le Christ et le Messins;” — “declare that they believe that he is the Christ and the Messiah.”
386 “(Les gens) le cognurent incontinent;” — “(the people) immediately knew him.”
168
John Calvin