Matthew (New Ver.): He was an epileptic.
Mark: He had “a dumb spirit” ([ix, 17]).
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When the authorities at Capernaum demanded tribute of Jesus what did he command Peter to do?
“Go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money; that take, and give unto them for me and thee” ([Matthew xvii, 27]).
Matthew does not venture to say that Peter was successful, doubtless recognizing the fact that there ought to be limits even to a fish story.
Regarding this story Archbishop Trench says: “It is remarkable, and is a solitary instance of the kind, that the issue of this bidding is not told us.” Dr. Farrar says: “I agree with the learned and thoughtful Olshausen in regarding this as the most difficult to comprehend of all the gospel miracles” (Life of Christ, p. 288).