And great multitudes were gathered together unto him] The malice of the Pharisees, and their subtill desiring of a sign from heaven to confirm his authority and doctrine, Chap. 12. 38. Though denyed by Christ, could not keep the people from slocking after him. so that he went into a ship] The multitude pressing him (as Mark 5:31. Luke 5:1.) was the cause of his going into the ship, as also, that he might the better be heard and seen of his auditours, being at some distance from him, and all their faces toward him. Therefore was the ship lanched a little way into the sea. and sat] This was the usuall gesture of our Saviour in teaching, as the manner of their doctors was, Matthew 23:2. See Chap. 5. 1. Luke 4:20. although he stood when he read the scriptures in publike, Luke 4:16. yet is not standing in preaching unlawfull. See Ezra 8:4. and the whole multitude stood on the shore] That they might more conveniently see and hear him.