Matthew 4:18

Saturday, 28 September 2024

And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  Matthew 4:18

“And Jesus, walking beside the Sea of the Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea - for they were fishers” (CG).

In the previous verse, it noted that Jesus began to preach, telling the people to reconsider because the kingdom of the heavens was at hand. With that noted, it next says, “And Jesus.”

The name of Jesus is not included in all of the ancient texts. Some believe it was inadvertently dropped out while others argue it was inadvertently added in or that it was inserted for clarity. As the subject has not changed, it is understood either way. Next, it says He was “walking beside the Sea of the Galilee.”

As noted before, the Galilee is a somewhat circular region. This sea is within that region. Thus, the use of the article before “Galilee” is appropriate. If there were a large body of water like this in the area of the Grand Canyon, we would call it “the sea of the Grand Canyon.”

Jesus was in the area conducting His ministry when “He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and Andrew his brother.”

The name Simon equates to the Hebrew name Shimon. That comes from shama, to hear. Thus, it means something like Hearing or He Who Hears. Peter comes from petros, a small stone. Thus, the name means Stone or Rock. The name Andrew comes from the Greek word aner, a man, and thus it means something like Manly, Courageous, or Brave.

Although they are introduced into the narrative now, and it appears that the calling that lies ahead is almost sudden and out of the blue, this is hardly the case. By comparing the narrative found in John’s gospel, these two are already well known to Jesus.

They were with John the Baptist in the area of Bethabara (John 1:28), John had proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), one of John’s disciples was Andrew (John 1:40), and they had come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. When Andrew introduced Simon to Jesus, Jesus then named Simon Cephas which is Peter, the Rock (John 1:42).

From there, they went together to Cana in Galilee (John 2:1). This fills in some of the background information that the synoptic gospels skip over. Therefore, the abruptness of this account is actually smoothed out when the fuller picture is seen. As for Matthew’s words, it says that these two were “casting a net into the sea.”

Here is a word found only this once in Scripture in some manuscripts, or it is found one more time (Mark 1:16) in other manuscripts, amphiblestron. It is derived from amphoteroi, both, and ballo, to cast. Vincent’s Word Studies provides an explanation –

“...the casting-net, which, being cast over the shoulder, spreads into a circle (ἀμφὶ [amphi – both sides and thus “all around”]). The word is sometimes used by classical Greek writers to denote a garment which encompasses the wearer. In Matthew 4:20, the word net again occurs, but representing a different Greek word (δίκτυον [diktuon]) which is the general name for all kinds of nets, whether for taking fish or fowl. Still another word occurs at Matthew 13:47, σαγήνη [sagene], the draw-net.”

These two were out tending to work when Jesus decided to formally call them into a new profession, one which would change the course of their lives and, indeed, the entire world as well as the entirety of human history. As for the reason they were casting this net, Matthew next says, “for they were fishers.”

Many translations say “fishermen.” This is technically correct because the word is in the masculine, speaking of the men. But for precision in translation, saying “fishers” avoids a problem that then appears in the next verse.

The word is halieus, coming from hals, salt. Thus, it would be used like the modern descriptor of a sailor, such as, “He is an old salt.” The meaning is that he has been a sailor for a long time. Even though the Sea of the Galilee is not a salt sea, the thought carries over to any in such a profession.

Life application: It is good to be well-versed in all four gospels before coming to conclusions about various events that take place. As noted in a previous commentary, having all of what is said in the four gospels lined up chronologically really helps to see what is going on.

From there, the life and ministry of Jesus and those with Him seem less abrupt. There is nothing like a rushed or forced narrative actually going on. However, each writer is providing information relevant to his purpose for writing. By giving information in a completely different style than the synoptic gospels, John’s gospel changes the entire focus of what is being said and who it is being directed to.

Jesus, in the Synoptics, is being focused on as the Messiah of Israel who would come and fulfill the law. His words are directed to Israel under the law, even if some of what He says is in anticipation of the future, either for the church or for Israel in the millennium.

John, on the other hand, is addressing matters that speak of Jesus in a completely different way. Jesus is presented as the Christ of all people who is completing His mission in order to bring in a new spiritual realm for all people to join in. The words carry truths that are not limited to the Messiah’s interactions with Israel nearly as much as the Synoptics.

Pay attention to these things and your theology on Christ and His life will be more properly directed to what is actually being conveyed.

O God, Your word is a treasure and a delight. We are so thankful that You can take men who fish and turn them into men who will use that ability in a spiritual way to accomplish great things. As this is so, we know that You can use us just as we are to do similar great things. Use us according to Your wisdom, and may we be willing to follow wherever You lead. Amen.