The second cycle is incomplete and fallen somewhat into disorder. Jesus is back on the west coast after his voyage. Mk 8:10 ff. corresponds with Mk 6:53 ff. and Mk 7:1 ff. Dalmanutha lies on the west coast. But instead of his departing now directly for the north, there comes first another voyage to the east coast (Mk 8:13). It is not till they reach Bethsaida that he starts with his Disciples northward (Mk 8:27). The first cycle on the other hand relates _this voyage to Bethsaida as an episode of the famous coasting voyage and places it immediately after the feeding of the multitude_ (Mk 6:45 ff[.]). And as a matter of fact the second narrative series also shows [pg 168] that this was the original connection. For here, too, as in the first series, the conversation upon landing deals with the foregoing miracle. Mk 6:52: “For they understood not concerning the loaves, but their heart was hardened.” Mk 8:19-21: “When I brake the five loaves—when the seven—do ye not yet understand?” It is therefore impossible that between this voyage and the feeding of the multitude all the events were crowded which were enacted upon the west shore. The minds of all are still full of the great event. The new sea journey of the second cycle is nothing else but the original continuation of the voyage to Bethsaida from the scene of the feeding of the multitude. Therewith the parallelism of the two series is proven. The events follow one another in this order: coasting voyage from the west shore, feeding of the multitude, continuation of the voyage to the north-east, “walking upon the sea” and conversation in the boat, arrival at Bethsaida, return to the region of Genezareth, discussion with the Pharisees, departure with the Disciples to the north. 2. The Supper by the Seashore. The Disciples’ proclamation of the immediate approach of the Kingdom must have [pg 169] had a great success. A mighty multitude of such as believed the message crowded around Jesus. He had about him a community inspired by the most lively eschatological expectation. They would not let go of him. In order to be alone with his Disciples he embarks in a boat. He meant to withdraw to the north-east shore. But the people, when they learned that he would take himself away, streamed together from all sides and followed him along the beach. Mk 6:32, 33: “For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they went away in a boat to a desert place apart. And the people saw them going, and many knew them, and they ran there together on foot from all the cities and outwent them.”