Section 8:23–27

Jesus commanded a storm to stop

In this section Jesus performed the miracle of stopping the winds from blowing and of calming the waves. This showed that he had power over nature.

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

Jesus calmed a storm ⌊on the lake⌋
-or-
Jesus stopped the wind and waves
-or-
Jesus demonstrated his power over storms/nature

There are parallel passages for this section in Mark 4:35–41 and Luke 8:22–25.

Paragraph 8:23–25

8:23a

In the Greek, 8:23a begins with a conjunction that is often translated as “and” (English Standard Version). It indicates that this section continues the story from 8:18 where Jesus commanded his disciples to get ready to cross the lake.

Here is another way to begin this section:

Then (New International Version)

When He got into the boat: This boat was a fishing boat that may have had a sail. It was big enough for Jesus and his twelve disciples to sit inside.

This same word occurs in 4:21d. See the note there for more information.

8:23b

His disciples followed Him: The verb followed indicates that the disciples entered into the boat with Jesus, then began to travel with him across the lake.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

his disciples followed him ⌊into the boat⌋
-or-
his disciples got into the boat with him ⌊and they began to cross the lake⌋

-or-

his disciples followed him ⌊and also got into the boat⌋ ⌊and together they started crossing the lake⌋

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