Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 14:27

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good chear, it is I, be not afraid.

Whilst our Saviour was praying on the Mount, the Ship which carried his Disciples, was upon the Sea, that is, that Creek of the Sea, which they were at that time passing over, a storm ariseth not without the Counsel of God, that Christ might shew, that both the Winds, and the Waves were under his Command. And in the fourth Watch of the Night, that is, about three Hours before the rising of the Sun, for tho the Jews Anciently divided the Night into three parts, each consisting of four Hours. yet being at this time under the Romans, they kept to their Division of it into four parts, which they called Watches, from their Military Guards, which they relieved every three Hours. Iesus went also unto them, walking upon the Sea, as if it had been firm Ground. And when the Disciples saw him walking on the Sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a Spirit, and they cryed out for fear. By this it seemeth, that the Doctrine of Spirits was not strange to that Age, tho they had a Sect of Sadduces, which denied it, That the Devil by Gods Permission, hath a power to trouble, and Agitate the Air, and also to Assume a visible Shape, and in it to affright Persons by Sea, or by Land, is unque[illegible: 1 letter]tionable. When the Disciples at distance saw Christ walking on the Sea, they concluded it was some such Apparition. This made them cry out through fear. But straightway Iesus saith unto them, be of good Chear, it is I, be not afraid, Mark Ch. 6. v. 52. addeth. They considered not the Miracle of the Loaves, for their Hearts were hardened. Having had so late an Experience, both of the Power, and Goodness of their Master in their late strait, for want of Bread, they ought not so soon to have shewed a distrust in his Providence, as if he would have suffered them to have Perished in the Sea, that Miracle did not make a due Impression upon them.