Matthew 8:27 - Exposition

But (Revised Version, and ) the men . Perhaps the disciples (" Sic als Menschen staunch ," Nosgen), but probably those to whom the boat belonged ( Matthew 8:23 , note), the crew. It seems very far-fetched to explain it of all men who heard of the miracle. Marvelled . As the multitudes ( Matthew 9:33 ; but contrast Matthew 14:33 ). Saying, What manner of man is this? ( ποταπός ἐστιν οὖτος ) . Parallel passages, "Who then?" ( τίς ἄρα ;) . The term indicates the slightness of their knowledge of his character. They seem, with Nicodemus, to have recognized that holiness was an essential condition of performing miracles ( John 3:2 ), but not to have realized that this condition was satisfied in Jesus. That even the winds and the sea obey him . "Him," emphatic ( αὐτῷ ὑπακούουσιν ) . The miracle! has been seen to be a parable of the security of the ship of the Church since at least the days of Tertullian ('De Bapt.,' § 12). (For the comparison generally of the Church to a ship, compare especially Bishop Lightfoot on Ignatius, 'Polyc.,' § it.)