vessel, but because he did not remain in the firmness of faith. He was right in exposing himself to trial ; but he ought to have persevered. — tdiaraeas, didst thou doubt) The nature of faith is perceived from its opposites, doubt and fear. See Mark v. 30 ; Horn. xiv. 23 ; James i. 6.1
36. Mo'vov, x.r.?.., only, etc.) Such was their pious humility.2
1. O/ «TO 'lipocdX-jfiuV) which ivere of Jerusalem) Who ap peared to excel in authority and zeal, having come such a long way.4
2. Tuv KptafSvripuv, of the ancients) The word •irptajBu-tpoi; some times denotes a dignity or office ; sometimes it is opposed to youth ; sometimes, as in this place, to later generations. — aprcv, bread) The Jews eat other kinds of food without washing their hands more readily than bread. See Wall's5 Critical Notes, p. 47.
1 Ver. 33. Qtov viog il, Thou art the Son of God) Since they perceived that Jesus was such by reason of His miraculous walking on the sea, they ought not to have wondered at this very miracle to such a degree as to be lost in amazement. It is for this reason they are censured by Mark vi. 51, 52. For the mind, which faith has rendered intelligent and sober, unlearns excess of astonishment. — Harm., p. 333.
Ver. 35. oi £v?>pss, the men) who perhaps were engaged in labouring in the fields. — V. g.
2 "Oaot vf^etvro, as many as touched Him) Out of so great crowds of miser able men, not even one is found who met with a repulse in seeking help from Jesus. However, those who were ungrateful were subsequently reproved, and those who needed it were warned to avoid new acts of sin. — Harm., p. 337.
3 Tore, then) By this particle, the narration of the events which had hap pened before and after the Passover is connected together : from which we may infer that Jesus, at that time, had not gone up to Jerusalem. — Harm., p. 340. It was at a time most unseasonable that the hypocrites made an oblique attack on Him, starting a question, high sounding, no doubt, but after all ending in mere minutiae. — V. g.
4 After the feast of the Passover had been celebrated at Jerusalem. — Harm., p. 340.
5 WILLIAM WALL, P.D., sometime Vicar of Shoreham, a learned divine