ACC ~ John 6 v16

JOHN RECORDS THE DISCIPLES’ ACTION

AUGUSTINE: There is no inconsistency between Matthew and John. Matthew [1] has told us first how Jesus commanded his disciples to embark in the little ship and to go before him to the other side of the lake until he sent the multitudes away, and then he informs us that after the multitudes were sent away [Jesus] went up into a mountain alone to pray. John mentions first that he departed to a mountain alone and then proceeds to say, “And when it became late, his disciples came down to the sea; and when they had entered into a ship, etc.” For who will not perceive that in recapitulating the facts, John has spoken of something as actually done at a later point by the disciples that Jesus had already charged them to do before his own departure to the mountain? HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS 2.47.100. [2]

[1] Mt 14:23-33.

[2] NPNF 1 6:150**.

TWO DIFFERENT ACCOUNTS?

CHRYSOSTOM: This miracle seems to me to be a different one from the one given in Matthew, [1] and that it is different is clear for many reasons since he often repeats the same miracle in order to impress it on people’s minds and to receive them with great faith…. There they do not receive him into the ship immediately, and here they do. Also, there the storm lasts for some time, whereas here as soon as he speaks, there is a calm. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 43.1. [2]

[1] Mt 14:22-33.

[2] NPNF 1 14:155-56**.

JESUS DIFFUSES SPECULATION OF KINGSHIP

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: In order, then, that he might seem to have sailed away and thus diffuse the intensity of those who were looking for him, he orders the disciples to leave before him; but he stays, providing the opportunity for the next miracle. For his primary concern was to use every occasion to confirm the mind of the apostles in their faith toward him…. And so, when evening came and enough time had passed so that those who were seeking him gave up, the choir of holy disciples goes down to the sea and began to sail away immediately, obeying their God and teacher in everything without delay. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 3.4. [1]

[1] LF 43:336-37*.