Mark 1:16

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Now {G1161} as he walked {G4043} by {G3844} the sea {G2281} of Galilee {G1056}, he saw {G1492} Simon {G4613} and {G2532} Andrew {G406} his {G846} brother {G80} casting {G906} a net {G293} into {G1722} the sea {G2281}: for {G1063} they were {G2258} fishers {G231}.

As he walked beside Lake Kinneret, he saw Shim`on and Andrew, Shim`on's brother, casting a net into the lake; for they were fishermen.

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

And passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishers.

Commentary

Mark 1:16 introduces us to the pivotal moment when Jesus begins to gather His first disciples, laying the groundwork for His ministry. This verse sets the scene for the immediate and transformative call of Simon (who would later be known as Peter) and his brother Andrew.

Context

Following His baptism and temptation in the wilderness (Mark 1:9-13), Jesus begins His public ministry in Galilee. The Sea of Galilee was a vibrant hub of commercial fishing, providing a livelihood for many, including Simon and Andrew. They were engaged in their everyday work, demonstrating that Jesus often calls individuals not from places of religious prominence, but from their ordinary vocations and circumstances. This encounter highlights Jesus' divine initiative in seeking out and calling those He chose to be with Him.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative: Jesus actively seeks out and chooses His followers. He doesn't wait for them to come to Him; He goes to where they are.
  • Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Call: Simon and Andrew were common fishermen, not religious scholars or temple elites. This emphasizes that God often uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
  • Readiness for Discipleship: Though their full response comes in the next verse (Mark 1:17), this verse establishes their availability in their daily work, setting the stage for their immediate departure.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "casting a net" (Greek: amphiballontas) describes their method of fishing, likely using a circular cast net thrown by hand. This detail grounds the narrative in the reality of their laborious profession, underscoring what they would soon be asked to leave behind. It also subtly foreshadows the "casting" of the Gospel net for souls.

Practical Application

Mark 1:16 reminds us that God's call often comes to us in the midst of our daily routines and familiar environments. We don't need to be in a special place or possess unique qualifications for Jesus to notice us and have a purpose for our lives. Just as Simon and Andrew were found diligently at work, we are called to be attentive to God's voice wherever we are. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus calls us to a new purpose, transforming our daily activities into opportunities for His Kingdom.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 4:18 (13 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Matthew 4:22 (13 votes)

    And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

  • John 1:40 (8 votes)

    One of the two which heard John [speak], and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

  • John 1:42 (8 votes)

    And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

  • Luke 6:14 (3 votes)

    Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

  • John 6:8 (3 votes)

    One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,

  • Mark 3:16 (2 votes)

    And Simon he surnamed Peter;