John: As they were nearing the land ([vi, 19–21]).
According to John, he walked entirely across the sea; according to Matthew and Mark, but half way across.
Christ’s walking on the sea was probably suggested by Job ([ix, 8]), who says God “treadeth upon the waves of the sea,” or, according to the Septuagint, “walking upon the sea as upon a pavement.”
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What remarkable feat was attempted on the trip?
Matthew: “And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. And when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him” ([Matt. xiv, 29–31]).
Mark and John, who relate with much particularity the events of this voyage, do not mention Peter’s adventure.
“Probably they had good reason for omitting it. A profane mind might make a jest of an apostle ‘half seas over,’ and ridicule an apostolic gate-keeper who couldn’t keep his head above water.”—Bradlaugh.