So when they had rowed
For the wind being contrary, they could not make use of their sails, but betook themselves to their oars, and by that means got
about five and twenty, or thirty furlongs;
which were three or four miles, or little more than a league; no further had they got, though they had been rowing from the time it was dark, to the fourth watch, which was after three o'clock in the morning; all this while they had been tossed in the sea;
they saw Jesus walking on the sea;
(See Gill on Matthew 14:25), (See Gill on Matthew 14:26), (See Gill on Matthew 14:29).
And drawing nigh unto the ship;
though Mark says, he "would have passed by them", ( Mark 6:48 ) ; that is, he seemed as if he would, but his intention was to come to them, and save them from perishing, as he did:
and they were afraid;
that he was a spirit, some nocturnal apparition, or demon, in an human form; (See Gill on Matthew 14:26).