Matthew 4:18

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 4:18 marks the commencement of Jesus' public ministry in Galilee, specifically detailing the pivotal moment when He calls His first disciples. While walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus encounters two brothers, Simon (who would later be known as Peter) and Andrew, engaged in their daily occupation of casting a net into the water, for they were fishermen by trade. This encounter immediately establishes Jesus' divine initiative in calling individuals to follow Him, setting the stage for the formation of His inner circle and the expansion of His kingdom work through ordinary people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' triumph over temptation in the wilderness and His relocation to Capernaum, signaling the official commencement of His public ministry in Galilee. Matthew emphasizes that Jesus' move to Galilee fulfills Isaiah's prophecy concerning "Galilee of the Gentiles," where a great light would dawn upon those living in darkness and the shadow of death ([Matthew 4:12-16](/matthew/4-12-16 "Matthew 4:12-16 - Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee")). The calling of these first disciples is not a random event but the deliberate, initial step in gathering the community that will embody and extend His kingdom message. It transitions from Jesus' solitary preparation to the active formation of His ministry team, leading directly into His promise to make them "fishers of men" in the subsequent verse ([Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - The Call to Be Fishers of Men")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret or Tiberias, was a vibrant hub of economic activity in the first century, particularly known for its thriving fishing industry. Numerous towns and villages dotted its shores, supporting a robust trade network. Fishermen like Simon and Andrew would have been common laborers, often working in family-based partnerships or small cooperatives. Their work was physically demanding and often required long hours. For a rabbi to call disciples, it was customary for students to seek out a teacher. However, Jesus' approach here is revolutionary: He takes the initiative, calling them directly from their mundane labor, a stark contrast to the traditional rabbinic model. This highlights Jesus' unique authority and the counter-cultural nature of His kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several foundational themes that permeate Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Initiative** in salvation and discipleship; Jesus actively "saw" and called them, rather than waiting to be sought out. This highlights God's sovereign election and grace in initiating the relationship. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **Ordinary People, Extraordinary Calling**. Jesus does not select religious elites or scholars, but common laborers, demonstrating God's consistent pattern of using the humble and overlooked to accomplish His grand purposes, a theme echoed throughout the Old and New Testaments. Lastly, the act of "casting a net" subtly introduces the theme of **Transformation of Purpose**, foreshadowing the radical shift in their lives and vocations from catching fish to "catching" people for the kingdom of God, a concept explicitly stated in [Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - The Call to Be Fishers of Men").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." In this context, it signifies Jesus' direct, intentional observation and recognition of Simon and Andrew. This is not a casual glance but an act of divine perception that precedes and initiates the call. It underscores Jesus' sovereign choice and the active nature of His call to discipleship, highlighting that He is the one who seeks and finds.
* **casting a net (Greek, _amphíblēstron'_):** From G293, describing a "(fishing) net (as thrown about the fish)." This specific term refers to a casting net, which is typically thrown by hand to encircle fish in shallow waters. The action of "casting" (G906, _bállō'_) emphasizes their active engagement in their trade. This detail grounds the narrative in the everyday reality of these men's lives, making the subsequent call to leave their livelihood all the more impactful. It vividly portrays their occupation, which will soon be transformed into a spiritual metaphor.
* **fishers (Greek, _halieús'_):** From G231, meaning "a sailor (as engaged on the salt water), i.e. (by implication) a fisher." This word explicitly identifies Simon and Andrew's profession. It establishes their identity and skillset, which Jesus will famously repurpose in the very next verse. Their identity as "fishers" is crucial for understanding the profound metaphorical shift Jesus introduces when He calls them to be "fishers of men," transforming their earthly trade into a spiritual mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee,"**: This clause establishes the setting and the active presence of Jesus. "Walking" (G4043, _peripatéō'_) indicates His deliberate movement and engagement with the world. The "sea of Galilee" provides the specific geographical context, a place of common labor and everyday life, signifying that Jesus' ministry begins not in a temple or synagogue, but among ordinary people in their daily routines.
* **"saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother,"**: This is the core of the divine initiative. Jesus "saw" (G1492, _eídō'_) them, indicating His intentional gaze and choice. The identification of "two brethren" (G1417, _dýo'_; G80, _adelphós'_) highlights their familial bond and perhaps their shared occupation. Simon is explicitly "called Peter" (G3004, _légō'_; G4074, _Pétros'_), a significant detail foreshadowing his future prominence and the new identity Jesus will bestow upon him. Andrew is introduced simply as "his brother," emphasizing their relationship.
* **"casting a net into the sea:"**: This phrase describes the specific action these brothers were engaged in at the moment of their encounter with Jesus. "Casting a net" (G906, _bállō'_; G293, _amphíblēstron'_) vividly portrays their livelihood as fishermen. The detail of them being "into the sea" (G1519, _eis'_; G2281, _thálassa'_) further emphasizes their immersion in their work, making the call to leave it all the more striking.
* **"for they were fishers."**: This concluding clause provides the reason or explanation (G1063, _gár'_) for their activity. It confirms their profession, establishing their identity as common laborers. This seemingly simple statement sets the stage for the profound metaphor of "fishers of men" that Jesus will employ in the subsequent verse, transforming their earthly vocation into a spiritual calling.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 4:18 employs several effective literary devices. **Setting** is crucial, with the "sea of Galilee" providing a vivid backdrop that grounds the divine encounter in a real, accessible, and bustling environment. The **Introduction of Characters** is precise, naming Jesus, Simon (with his future name Peter), and Andrew, immediately establishing key figures in the unfolding narrative. There is clear **Divine Initiative**, as Jesus "saw" them, highlighting His active role in calling disciples rather than them seeking Him out. Most significantly, the verse utilizes **Foreshadowing** and **Symbolism**. The mundane act of "casting a net" by "fishers" is not merely descriptive; it subtly foreshadows the profound transformation of their vocation into a spiritual one, preparing the reader for Jesus' call to make them "fishers of men" in the very next verse. This everyday activity becomes a potent symbol for evangelism and discipleship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 4:18 profoundly illustrates the nature of divine calling and the initiation of God's kingdom work through human instruments. It reveals that Jesus' ministry is not confined to religious institutions but extends to the common spheres of life, actively seeking out and transforming ordinary individuals. The immediate and decisive nature of Jesus' "seeing" and calling underscores His sovereign authority and the principle that salvation and discipleship are initiated by God's grace, not human merit or seeking. This moment establishes a pattern for the entire Gospel: God uses the humble, the available, and the willing, regardless of their social standing or prior qualifications, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. It also subtly introduces the theme of radical discipleship, where following Jesus necessitates a reorientation of one's life, purpose, and even livelihood.

* [Mark 1:16-18](/mark/1-16-18 "Mark 1:16-18 - The Call of Simon and Andrew")
* [Luke 5:1-11](/luke/5-1-11 "Luke 5:1-11 - The Miraculous Catch of Fish and Call of Disciples")
* [Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus Calls Them to Be Fishers of Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 4:18 offers timeless insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's call is often extended to us in the midst of our ordinary lives and occupations. Just as Jesus encountered Simon and Andrew while they were engaged in their daily work, He often meets us where we are, inviting us to a higher purpose. This verse powerfully demonstrates that God does not primarily seek the qualified but qualifies the called. Our background, profession, or perceived limitations are not barriers to His use of us; rather, our willingness to respond to His initiative is paramount. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of readiness, to recognize Jesus' presence and call in our everyday circumstances, and to be prepared for the transformative impact He desires to have on our lives and vocations. Our "nets"—our skills, resources, and experiences—can be consecrated and repurposed for His kingdom, transforming our earthly labor into spiritual fruitfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "ordinary" aspects of your life or work might Jesus be calling you to a deeper purpose or new direction?**
* **How does the idea of Jesus taking the initiative to "see" and call you impact your understanding of your own faith journey?**
* **What "nets" (i.e., attachments, comforts, or familiar routines) might Jesus be inviting you to lay down in order to follow Him more fully?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus choose fishermen as His first disciples?**

Answer: Jesus' choice of fishermen like Simon and Andrew was deliberate and highly significant. Firstly, it demonstrated His kingdom's accessibility to ordinary people, not just the religious elite or educated. This underscored that God uses the humble and available for His purposes, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Secondly, their profession as "fishers" provided a powerful and immediate metaphor for their future mission: to become "fishers of men" ([Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - The Call to Be Fishers of Men")), gathering people into the kingdom of God. Their skills of patience, perseverance, and working together were also transferable to the demanding task of evangelism and discipleship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 4:18 is a foundational moment in the unfolding Christ-centered narrative, presenting Jesus not merely as a wise teacher but as the sovereign Lord who initiates the formation of His new covenant community. His act of "walking by the sea of Galilee" and "seeing" Simon and Andrew underscores His divine prerogative and active pursuit of those He calls, echoing the divine initiative seen throughout salvation history. This call is a direct manifestation of His authority as the promised Messiah, gathering a people for Himself, much like God called Abraham to form a nation or chose Israel from among the nations. The transformation of these ordinary fishermen into apostles foreshadows the broader mission of the church, empowered by Christ, to extend His kingdom to the ends of the earth. Jesus, as the ultimate Caller and Head of the Church, establishes the pattern for all subsequent discipleship, inviting individuals from every walk of life to abandon their former pursuits and embrace a new, eternal purpose in Him, ultimately fulfilling the prophetic vision of a people gathered by God's own hand ([Isaiah 43:6](/isaiah/43-6 "Isaiah 43:6 - God Gathers His People from Afar")) and empowered by the Spirit to bear witness to His saving work ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Holy Spirit Empowers Witnesses")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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,