Matthew 4:18

¶ 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.

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424}, walking {G4043} by {G3844} the sea {G2281} of Galilee {G1056}, saw {G1492} two {G1417} brethren {G80}, Simon {G4613} called {G3004} Peter {G4074}, and {G2532} Andrew {G406} his {G846} brother {G80}, casting {G906} a net {G293} into {G1519} the sea {G2281}: for {G1063} they were {G2258} fishers {G231}.

As Yeshua walked by Lake Kinneret, he saw two brothers who were fishermen -- Shim`on, known as Kefa, and his brother Andrew -- throwing their net into the lake.

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

And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers.

Matthew 4:18 marks a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, initiating Jesus' public ministry in Galilee by detailing the call of His first disciples. This verse introduces two key figures, Simon, who would later be known as Peter, and his brother Andrew, who were engaged in their everyday occupation as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' temptation in the wilderness and His initial move to Capernaum, beginning His ministry in the region of Galilee (Matthew 4:12). The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret or Tiberias, was a bustling center of fishing and trade, making it a natural place for Jesus to encounter ordinary working people. His presence there signaled the dawning of a new era, as prophesied by Isaiah, bringing light to those in darkness (Matthew 4:16).

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative: Jesus takes the active role, "walking by" and "sawing" Simon and Andrew. This highlights that the call to follow Christ originates with God, not human seeking.
  • Ordinary People, Extraordinary Calling: The first disciples chosen were not religious elites or scholars, but common fishermen. This sets a precedent throughout Jesus' ministry, demonstrating God's pattern of using humble instruments for His grand purposes.
  • The Nature of Discipleship: While the full implications are revealed in subsequent verses, the act of "casting a net" signifies their livelihood and world. Jesus' call would soon invite them to leave this familiar life behind, a core aspect of true discipleship.

Related Scriptures

The parallel accounts of this initial call are found in Mark 1:16-18. While Luke's account in Luke 5:1-11 presents a similar call to Peter, James, and John after a miraculous catch, it is generally understood to be a later, distinct event that deepened their commitment. The immediate context in Matthew leads directly into Jesus' famous promise in the next verse, to make them "fishers of men."

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • God Calls the Unlikely: Regardless of our background, profession, or perceived qualifications, God can use us for His kingdom purposes. Our ordinary skills can be transformed into extraordinary service when yielded to Him.
  • Readiness to Respond: The immediate response of Simon and Andrew (implied by the very next verse's action) highlights the importance of being ready to follow Jesus when He calls.
  • Transformation of Purpose: Jesus doesn't just call us from our old lives; He calls us to a new, higher purpose. Our former occupations and experiences can often be repurposed for ministry, much like fishing skills were transformed into evangelism.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 1:40

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

  • John 1:42

    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.

  • Matthew 10:2

    Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother;

  • Luke 6:14

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

  • 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.

  • Mark 1:20

    And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

  • Luke 5:1

    ¶ And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

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