1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, 2And said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead, and that is why these powerful deeds are at work in him."

3For Herod had arrested John, bound him and put him in prison, for the sake of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip; 4Because John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her as your wife." 5And he desired to put him to death; but he feared the multitude because they held him to be a prophet.

6Now when they were celebrating Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before them; and it pleased Herod. 7Therefore, he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. 8Then, being urged by her mother, she said, "Give me, here on a platter, the head of John the Baptist." 9And the king was grieved; but because of the oaths and those who were sitting with him, he commanded that it be given. 10And he sent and beheaded John in the prison. 11And his head was brought on a platter and given to the damsel, and she brought it to her mother. 12Then his disciples came, and took the body, and buried it; and they went and told Jesus.

13Now after hearing this, Jesus departed from there by ship into a wilderness place apart. But when the multitudes heard that He had left, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 14And after going out, Jesus saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion toward them, and healed their sick.

15Now when evening was approaching, His disciples came to Him, saying, "This place is a wilderness, and the time to eat has already passed; dismiss the multitude so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves." 16But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." 17But they said to Him, "We do not have anything here except five loaves and two fish." 18And He said to them, "Bring them here to Me." 19And He commanded the multitude to sit on the grass. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish; and looking up into heaven, He blessed them; and He broke the loaves, and gave them to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 20And they all ate and were filled; and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that were left. 21Now those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

22And immediately Jesus compelled His disciples to enter the ship and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the multitude. 23And after dismissing the multitude, He went up into the mountain apart to pray; and when evening came, He was there alone. 24But the ship was now in the middle of the sea, being tossed by the waves, because the wind was contrary. 25Now in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled and said, "It is an apparition!" And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good courage; it is I. Do not be afraid."

28Then Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, bid me to come to You upon the waters." 29And He said, "Come." And after climbing down from the ship, Peter walked upon the waters to go to Jesus. 30But when he saw how strong the wind was, he became afraid; and as he was beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" 31And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32Now when they went into the ship, the wind ceased. 33And those in the ship came and worshiped Him, saying, "You are truly the Son of God."

34And after passing over the sea, they came to the land of Gennesaret. 35And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent to all the country around; and they brought to Him all those who were sick. 36And they besought Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment; and as many as touched it were healed.