18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. 21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. 22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him. (Matthew 4:18-22 KJV)
Thomas Haweis’ Commentary
Verses 18-22: Christ being now about to erect his kingdom in the world, he is pleased to make choice of certain persons to be the constant attendants of his ministry, and spectators of his miracles, that they might afterwards go forth to tell of the things they had heard and seen, and spread the gospel of their Master to the ends of the earth.
1. The person he made choice of were such, as to human view were very unfit instruments for the work; but the more evident would it be that the power was of God, and not of them, when afterwards they appeared so mighty in word and deed. They were by occupation fishermen, whom Jesus, as he walked by the seashore, saw employed in their honest and laborious vocation: the first two were casting a net into the sea; brethren by blood as well as business; their names Simon and Andrew; men unlettered, unknown, and unnoticed: the next two were of the like employment, and with their father Zebedee mending their nets. Note, (1.) Not only to the poor, was the gospel preached by our Lord, but from them the great pillars of the church were taken: let them therefore never be despised. (2.) It is happy in a family, when brethren in blood are brethren in the Lord, and heirs together of the grace of life. (3.) Industry is highly commendable: and Jesus wills that all his servants should be found well employed; idleness is the sure characteristic of Satan’s service.
2. They had it seems before, see Joh 1:37 become acquainted with Christ, but now they are called to constant attendance upon him, Follow me; and, by an image taken from their present employment, he lets them know the more honourable service for which he designed them, I will make you fishers of men, the instruments of gathering souls by the gospel into his church. And what he calls them to, he will qualify them for: in following him they shall learn a wisdom which the schools can never teach them. Note, (1.) Unless ministers have a divine call, as well as a human ordination, they will run without being sent, and can expect no blessing in their work. (2.) None can truly preach Christ, who have not first faithfully followed him. (3.) If in our ordinary vocations diligence is necessary, how much more needful is it, that fishers of men should be indefatigable and laborious, when the gain of immortal souls will so amply repay their toils.
3. These disciples immediately obeyed the call, quitting their employment, and leaving their dearest relatives, to devote and attach themselves entirely to their divine Lord and Master: such power had his constraining word, and so readily and cheerfully did they follow him. Note, (1.) When Christ effectually calls a sinner, such power accompanies his word, as draws the heart by irresistible bonds of love unto his blessed self. (2.) There are seasons, when for the sake of Christ we must be ready to part with all. (3.) Those who are employed in the ministry, have especially need to detach themselves from worldly concerns, that they may give themselves wholly up to their awesome trust and charge.