The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 8:27

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

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.

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