Matthew 14:29
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 14:29
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Chapter Context
Matthew 14 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, truth, hope. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-36: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 14:29
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
Analysis
And he said, Come (ὁ δὲ εἶπεν, Ἐλθέ, ho de eipen, Elthe)—Christ's one-word invitation empowered the impossible. The same creative word that spoke worlds into existence (Genesis 1:3) now enabled Peter to defy gravity. When Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water (καὶ καταβὰς ἀπὸ τοῦ πλοίου ὁ Πέτρος περιεπάτησεν ἐπὶ τὰ ὕδατα, kai katabas apo tou ploiou ho Petros periepatēsen epi ta hydata)—the aorist tense indicates Peter actually accomplished this miracle, however briefly.
For several steps, Peter experienced what only Christ could do naturally—mastery over creation. This walking on water wasn't mere levitation but participation in Christ's divine power through faith. The miracle demonstrates that Christ's word alone ('Come') transforms impossibility into reality. Faith activates divine power, enabling believers to accomplish what contradicts natural law when called by Christ.
Historical Context
In Jewish thought, walking on water demonstrated sovereignty over chaos and creation—attributes belonging to God alone (Job 9:8, Psalm 77:19). Only the Creator could command the waters. By calling Peter to walk on water, Jesus shared his divine prerogative, giving his disciple temporary participation in a miracle that testified to his deity. This event uniquely demonstrates Christ empowering a human to share in a divine work.
Reflection
- What 'impossible' obedience is Christ calling you to, where his word 'Come' is the only power that can enable your steps?
- How does Peter's actual success in walking on water (even temporarily) encourage you that Christ-empowered faith can accomplish what seems impossible?
- Why is Christ's single word 'Come' sufficient to enable miracles, and how does this truth apply to your daily walk of faith?
Cross-References
- References Jesus: Matthew 21:21, Mark 9:23
- Parallel theme: Luke 17:6, Acts 3:16, Romans 4:19, Philippians 4:13