Mark 6:53-56

The Ministry of Healing Resumed. The disciples having set out for Bethsaida (p. 29), in the NE. corner of the lake, arrive at Gennesaret (p. 29) on the NW. side. The change of destination is usually attributed to the adverse wind. But Mk. says nothing of a change of course. The wind dropped, and, according to John 6:21 the disciples reached at once the place they first intended to reach. Either we must with John correct Mk.'s Bethsaida to Capernaum or else Mark 6:53 is the true continuation of Mark 6:30, and Mk. has inserted the feeding of the 5000 and the walking on the sea into the narrative of another journey. The general description of healings is supplemented by the reference to the desire to touch the hem of Christ's garment. The example of the woman with the issue of blood had clearly been influential.