Matthew 8:23-26
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The verse highlights that Jesus didn't just invite his inner circle, but "his disciples followed him," suggesting a broader group ready to join him on this journey across the water. This detail hints at the growing movement around Jesus, where not just the Twelve, but others also felt compelled to follow his lead.
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus and his disciples are setting out to cross the Sea of Galilee in a boat, an event that will test their faith. As they depart, many other boats accompany them, setting the stage for a dramatic display of Jesus' power. What follows is a violent storm that threatens to sink their vessel, revealing the disciples' fear and Jesus' authority over the elements.
When Jesus stepped into the boat, who exactly was 'following' him? It wasn't just the core twelve.
The text says 'his disciples followed him.' This term, 'disciples,' often refers to the select Twelve Apostles, but here and in other places, it encompasses a broader group. These were individuals who had committed to learning from Jesus, sharing in his journey, and being part of his ministry. They weren't just spectators; they were active learners and participants, joining him in the boat and, by extension, in the unfolding of God's plan.
Jesus invited them to cross the sea. But this journey was more than just a boat ride; it was a setup for a profound spiritual lesson.
Jesus initiated this crossing, a deliberate step into a challenging situation. The commentary suggests this wasn't accidental. God's providence arranged for Jesus to sleep, for the storm to rage, and for the disciples to face their fear. This event wasn't just about Jesus demonstrating his power over nature; it was a carefully orchestrated moment to reveal the disciples' own wavering faith. Their fear, though intense, highlighted their need to trust in His divine presence even when circumstances felt overwhelming.
Understand the original words
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ploion · Greek Noun
A vessel used for transport across water, often symbolizing the precarious life of the believer in the world or the community of the church facing trials.
seismos · Greek Noun
A state of great distress, trial, or divine judgment, often symbolizing the chaotic and overwhelming challenges that confront believers in the course of their mission.
sōzō · Greek Verb
To preserve from danger, destruction, or eternal judgment; in the NT, it specifically refers to being rescued from the power of sin and the penalty of death through Christ.
apollymi · Greek Verb
The state of being lost, destroyed, or separated from God; experiencing temporal or eternal ruin.
deilos · Greek Adjective
A state of emotional distress or dread, often contrasted with trust in God's providence and power. In a spiritual context, it is frequently corrected by the presence and sovereignty of Christ.
oligopistos · Greek Adjective
Used in the NT to denote a deficiency in trust or confidence in God's power and promises. It is often rebuked by Jesus when disciples allow circumstances to override their knowledge of who He is.
epitimao · Greek Verb
A stern command or verbal censure. In the Gospels, it is used by Jesus to silence the demonic or to subdue the chaos of the natural world, demonstrating His divine authority over creation.
galene · Greek Noun
The result of a divine act; in this context, it signifies the restoration of order and peace following the exercise of Jesus' sovereign power over the elements.
This event highlights the disciples' initial, fragile faith, contrasting their fear in a storm with Jesus' divine authority, a crucial early lesson in their journey of discipleship.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, calling disciples and teaching in synagogues and public places.
c. AD 28
Jesus Calls Disciples
Jesus calls several fishermen, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John, to leave their livelihoods and follow him.
c. AD 28
Jesus Teaches Multitudes
Jesus teaches large crowds, delivering significant sermons like the Sermon on the Mount and performing numerous miracles of healing.
c. AD 28— this verse
Evening and Departure by Boat
After a day of teaching and healing, Jesus directs his disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee to the other side, embarking in a boat.
c. AD 28
The Storm and Jesus' Sleep
A violent storm suddenly arises on the Sea of Galilee, filling the boat with water, while Jesus sleeps soundly.
c. AD 28
Disciples' Fear and Jesus' Rebuke
The terrified disciples awaken Jesus, who calms the storm with a word, rebuking their lack of faith.
c. AD 28
Arrival and Amazement
Upon reaching the other side, the men who were with Jesus are filled with awe and wonder at his authority over nature.
This passage directly parallels Matthew's account, detailing the same event of Jesus and his disciples setting out in a boat and the subsequent storm.
Luke 8:22Luke provides another perspective on the same incident, emphasizing Jesus' desire to cross the lake and his disciples following him into the boat.
Psalm 107:23-30This Old Testament passage poetically describes sailors in a storm crying out to the Lord, mirroring the disciples' distress and Jesus' power to calm the seas, highlighting God's sovereignty over the elements.
Job 38:8-11Here, God challenges Job by recounting how He Himself set boundaries for the sea and its powerful waves, underscoring the divine authority Jesus demonstrates when he stills the storm.
barnesMatthew 8:23: "And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him."
Into a ship - This was on the Sea of Tiberias. The "ship" in which they sailed was probably a small open boat with sails, such as was commonly used for fishing on the lake. His disciples - Not merely the apostles, but probably many others. There were many other ships in company with him, Mark 4:36. This circumstance would render the miracle much more striking and impressive.
bensonMatthew 8:23: "And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him."
Matthew 8:23-27 . When he was entered into the ship — Being, as is said above, about to cross the lake; his disciples followed him — Even as many as were desirous of learning of him, and could get a passage, either in that vessel or any others that were near. And there arose a great tempest in the sea — Σεισμος μεγας , a great commotion, or, agitation of the waters, namely, in consequence of a sudden change of the…
The verse highlights that Jesus didn't just invite his inner circle, but "his disciples followed him," suggesting a broader group ready to join him on this journey across the water. This detail hints at the growing movement around Jesus, where not just the Twelve, but others also felt compelled to follow his lead.
Jesus and his disciples are setting out to cross the Sea of Galilee in a boat, an event that will test their faith. As they depart, many other boats accompany them, setting the stage for a dramatic display of Jesus' power. What follows is a violent storm that threatens to sink their vessel, revealing the disciples' fear and Jesus' authority over the elements.
Jesus and his disciples are setting out to cross the Sea of Galilee in a boat, an event that will test their faith. As they depart, many other boats accompany them, setting the stage for a dramatic display of Jesus' power. What follows is a violent storm that threatens to sink their vessel, revealing the disciples' fear and Jesus' authority over the elements.
"And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are per…" — The verse highlights that Jesus didn't just invite his inner circle, but "his disciples followed him," suggesting a broader group ready to join him on this journey across the water. This detail hints…
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Last reviewed October 2026
