Bible Questions and Answers

Try John 6:16-21; Mark 6:45-52; Matthew 14:22-33. John gives the "Reader's Digest" account with a minimum of detail. An un-designed scriptural coincidence in John's account is that he gives a precise indication of the ship's distance from shore. This would be a natural observation for a fisherman such as John but the other gospel writers make no such observation except to say that the boat was "in the midst of the sea." It is also the testimony of an eye-witness; John was there. Just another little bit of evidence as to the authenticity of the Bible record. (see footnote)

Mark adds the detail about the reaction of the apostles indicating that they were scared stiff and, in their fear, they lapsed into a superstitious dread of seeing a "ghost" when Jesus came to them. This is also another sign of the Bible record's authenticity. We see these servants of God even in their weakness but what lessons of faith and reliance on the Lord emerge from a consideration of their weaknesses.

Matthew adds the wonderful story of faith, weakness, and salvation in his record of Peter's attempt to join his Lord on the water and reaching out to him when his faith failed and he began to sink. What a lesson for us!

God bless and keep you,
Mike

(25-30 furlongs = 3.1 - 3.75 miles or between 5km - 6km. The sea of Galilee is 14 miles long and 7 miles wide but only 200 feet deep at its deepest point. Such shallow lakes surrounded by hills are very susceptible to sudden, violent storms or squalls which can prove to be very dangerous to a small boat caught in one.)