the norfh-west shore of the lake of Galilee, and the point where the disciples embarked was on the noith-east shore. To reach Capernaum they would pass the point where the Jordan ran into che lake, and leave that point and the town of Bethsaida on their fight hand. The place where the miracle was wrought was not at Bethsaida itself, we must remember, but in the desert coun- try and district lying to the east of Bethsaida. St. Luke specially mentions this (Luke ix. 10), and unless we keep it in mind we shall not understand St. Mark's words, that our Lord made His disciples " go to the other side before unto Bethsaida." To go to Capernaum they must need go "in the direction of" Beth- saida, though they would leave it on the right as they passed. Thomson, in the " Land and the Book," maintains this view, and Rollock, 250 years ago, held the same opinion.
I repeat the opinion that I see no necessity for the theory of Alford and other commentators that there were two Bethsaidas.
Capernaum was the city where our Lord passed more time, and probably worked more miracles, than He did in any other place during His ministry. This is probably the reason why our Lord speaks of it as " exalted unto heaven." (Matt. xi. 23.) No city had such privileges and saw so much of the Son of God while He was manifest in the flesh.
[/i{ was now darJCj and Jesus was not come.] The Greek word for " dark " is always rendered " darkness " in other places, except John XX. 1. The simple circumstance of the disciples being alone in the boat, on the sea, and in darkness, has been felt in every age to be an instructive emblem of the position of the Church of Christ between the first and second advents. Like them, the Church is on a sea of trouble, and separate from its Head. In estimating, however, the position and feelings of the disciples, we must not forget that four of them at least were fishermen, and familiar from their youth with the management of boat;?, and all the dangers of the lake. We nmst not therefore think of them as inexperienced landsmen, or as little children unable to take care of themselves.
"We learn to know the value of Christ's company, when we have it, by the discomfort we experience when we have it not.
18. — [And the sea arose... .great wind that blew.] The Greek word rendered " arose " would be more literally rendered " was being raised or stirred."
A.t first sight it may seem surprising that the waters of an inland lake, like the sea of Gahlee, could be so much agitated. But it is remarkable that the testimony of travellers in modem times is distinct, ihat this lake is peculiarly liable to be visited by vi jlent squalls of wind, and to become very rough while they