between God and the Mediator. It was no dramatic represen tation that interceded for us.1 What passed between Christ and the Father may be inferred, for example, from Ps. xvi. and Luke xi. 2, 3. Cf. ver. 1 and John xvii. — -rrpcxs^asSai^ to pray) beyond midnight ; see ver. 25. The fruit may be seen in ver. 33", 34.
25. Tfrdprfr fourth) and last. The Jews also divided the night into four watches. The disciples were subjected to great straits for some time, till He brought them help. — cMrJjjXfo, lie departed} His prayers, though they had lasted a long while, being as it were broken off, He departed to help His disciples, — xtpivaruv, x.r.X., walking) though the wind blewr strong.
26. ''E.T(ipa^rlffav, they were troubled) We often take Christ for another rather than for Christ : cf. ver. 2. The disciples now feared not only the sea, but also the Lord. — <p avraepa.) an apparition} <pdvraff/ta, and <pa<sfj,a are identical in meaning. See Wis. xvii. 15, 4. Nor does pavraff!a greatly differ from them. Ibid, xviii. 17.
28. K'sXtvffov, command) A remarkable exercise of faith. Peter, from desire for Jesus, leaves the vessel, whether he has to walk on the sea or to swim through it. Cf. John xxi. 7.
29. 'EXds, come) More is required of him who offers himself spontaneously to Christ ; he is more greatly tempted, more mightily preserved.
30. B/J?rwv, seeing) Peter both felt the wind, and saiv it on the waves. — rbv ayspov the wind) The wind had been strong be fore that, but had not been so much observed by Peter. — fpo/S^, he was afraid) Although he was a fisherman, and a good swim mer ; see John xxi. 7. They who have begun to depend on grace are less able to employ nature. — xaravovrigsffdai, 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.
31. ' Ofay off/are, 0 thou of little faith) Even great faith is little in comparison of that which we ought to have. We should also possesss constancy. — si; r/, wherefore ? to what end ?) With what advantage ? He is not blamed because he came out of the
1 " Non intercessit actio scenica" — i.e. our Lord's intercession was real, genuine, substantial ; not mythical, theatrical, or fictitious (I. B.)