The miracle of walking on the sea is recorded also by Mt (Matthew 14:22) and Mk (Mark 6:45): see on Mt. St. John records it, perhaps because of its close connexion with the miracle of feeding; more probably because of the mystical signification which he discerns in it, for which see on Mt.
18, 19. The disciples were not to cross the lake, but to coast along it, and to take Jesus on board at an appointed place (see John 6:17). A violent wind blew them out into the middle of the lake, so that Jesus was obliged to walk upon the water to reach them.
22-25. The multitudes which had been fed remained on the spot all night. In the morning they were surprised to find Jesus gone. They knew that He had not embarked with the disciples, who had taken away the only boat. How then had He departed? Soon a fleet of boats arrived (perhaps to sell provisions), and they made use of these to cross the lake in search of Jesus.