to the shore where they sailed, as the Evangelist John says (6:21). In whatever place they landed on the shore, it did not matter; only the indication of the Evangelist John that the boat immediately landed on the shore is important. The boat could not be close to the shore; it was in the middle of the sea, 25-30 stadia from the place of departure; therefore, if it

immediately, that is, extremely quickly, landed on the shore, then this should be seen only as a continuation of the miracle of walking on water.

Opponents of the authenticity of the Gospels see a contradiction between the Evangelists in the fact that, according to John, the Apostles wanted to receive Him (Jesus) into the boat; and immediately the boat landed on the shore where they were sailing, and according to the legends of Matthew and Mark, He entered the boat. From the comparison of these accounts, the conclusion is drawn that the Apostles wanted to receive Jesus into the boat, but did not accept him, and the boat without Him landed on the shore, near which it was at that time.

It is impossible to draw such a conclusion from John's brief, untold narrative. It has been explained above why John speaks briefly about the feeding of the people and Jesus' walking on the water; he said nothing even about Peter walking on water. Therefore, it is at least imprudent to refute the detailed narratives of the other Evangelists by John's brief (as if in passing) reference to the same events. And John's expression —

wanted to receive Him into the boat, does not in the least exclude the very reception of Him: yes, they wanted to receive Him into the boat, when He said to them,

This is me; do not be afraid, but you did not receive Him immediately, because Peter got out of the boat and went to Him; and then Jesus and Peter entered the boat.

Arrival in the land of Gennesaret; Healing the sick on the shore of the lake