See this miracle of walking on the sea explained in the notes at Matthew 14:22-33. Compare Mark 6:45-52.

And when even was now come,.... The last of the evenings, when night was coming on; for the first of the evenings took place before they sat down to eat, when the above miracle was wrought; see Matthew 14:15.

His disciples went down unto the sea; of Galilee, or Tiberias, to the sea side; and this was by the order, and even constraint of Christ, who would have them go before him, that he might be clear of the multitude, and have an opportunity for solitary prayer, See Gill on Matthew 14:22, Mark 6:45.

Even (ὀψία)

An adjective; ὄψιος, late with ὥρα, hour, understood.

{3} And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,

(3) The godly are often in peril and danger, but Christ comes to them in time, even in the midst of the tempests, and brings them to the haven.

6:16-21 His disciples went down unto the sea. For notes on this storm on the sea, and the Lord coming to his disciples in the storm, see Mt 14:22-31. Compare Mr 6:46-54.

6:16 Mt 14:22; Mr 6:45.

16, 17. when even was come-(See on [1791]Mr 6:35).

entered into a ship-"constrained" to do so by their Master (Mt 14:22; Mr 6:45), in order to put an end to the misdirected excitement in His favor (Joh 6:15), into which the disciples themselves may have been somewhat drawn. The word "constrained" implies reluctance on their part, perhaps from unwillingness to part with their Master and embark at night, leaving Him alone on the mountain.

went-rather, "were proceeding."

toward Capernaum-Mark says (Mr 6:45), "unto Bethsaida," meaning "Bethsaida of Galilee" (Joh 12:21), on the west side of the lake. The place they left was of the same name (see on [1792]Mr 6:32).

Jesus was not come to them-They probably lingered in hopes of His still joining them, and so let the darkness come on.

6:15-21 Here were Christ's disciples in the way of duty, and Christ was praying for them; yet they were in distress. There may be perils and afflictions of this present time, where there is an interest in Christ. Clouds and darkness often surround the children of the light and of the day. They see Jesus walking on the sea. Even the approaches of comfort and deliverance often are so mistaken, as to become the occasions of fear. Nothing is more powerful to convince sinners than that word, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest; nothing more powerful to comfort saints than this, I am Jesus whom thou lovest. If we have received Christ Jesus the Lord, though the night be dark, and the wind high, yet we may comfort ourselves, we shall be at the shore before long.