Matthew 4:20

KJV

And they straightway left [their] nets, and followed him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they straightway {G2112} left {G863} their nets {G1350}, and followed {G190} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At once they left their nets and went with him.

Berean Standard Bible

And at once they left their nets and followed Him.

American Standard Version

And they straightway left the nets, and followed him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 4:20 powerfully depicts the immediate and decisive response of Simon Peter and Andrew to Jesus' call, marking a pivotal moment in their lives and the commencement of their radical discipleship. This verse encapsulates their unhesitating abandonment of their livelihood—their nets—and their immediate commitment to follow Jesus, setting a profound example of faith and obedience for all who would answer Christ's summons.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse follows directly from Jesus' initial encounter with Simon Peter and Andrew by the Sea of Galilee, as recorded in [Matthew 4:18-19](/matthew/4-18-19 "Matthew 4:18-19 - Jesus Calls Peter and Andrew"). Jesus finds them casting a net into the sea, engaged in their daily profession. His invitation in [Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - 'Fishers of Men'") is not merely to join Him, but to be transformed into "fishers of men," signifying a radical reorientation of their life's purpose. Their immediate response in [Matthew 4:20](/matthew/4-20 "Matthew 4:20 - Peter and Andrew Follow Jesus") highlights the compelling nature of Jesus' authority and the profound impact of His call, setting the stage for the gathering of His first disciples and the beginning of His public ministry. The subsequent call of James and John in [Matthew 4:21-22](/matthew/4-21-22 "Matthew 4:21-22 - Jesus Calls James and John") mirrors this same pattern of immediate abandonment and following, reinforcing the theme of radical discipleship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee, fishing was a demanding and essential industry, providing a livelihood for many families. Peter and Andrew, as professional fishermen, relied entirely on their nets and their catch for their sustenance and economic security. Their decision to "straightway left their nets" was not a casual choice but a profound act of abandoning their established career, financial stability, and familiar way of life. This act challenges the typical rabbinic discipleship model of the time, where students usually sought out a rabbi. Here, Jesus, as the authoritative Rabbi, initiates the call, and His disciples respond with an unprecedented immediacy, recognizing His unique authority and divine commission.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 4:20](/matthew/4-20 "Matthew 4:20 - Peter and Andrew Follow Jesus") contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent theme is **Immediate Obedience**, emphasized by the word "straightway," which underscores the promptness and lack of hesitation in their response, reflecting a complete surrender to Jesus' authority. This leads to **Radical Discipleship**, demonstrating a willingness to abandon everything—career, security, and comfort—for an unknown future with Jesus, a theme echoed in Jesus' later teachings about the [cost of discipleship](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Cost of Discipleship"). Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Transformation of Purpose**, as their former occupation of catching fish is superseded by a new, higher calling: "fishing" for souls, a divine commission that reorients their entire lives under Christ's leadership, foreshadowing the Great Commission found in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). Finally, it showcases **Trust in Jesus' Authority**, as Peter and Andrew, without prior deep relationship, immediately recognize something extraordinary in His call that compels them to follow without question.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **straightway (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb (G2112) signifies "directly, i.e., at once or soon." Its use here emphasizes the immediate, unhesitating, and decisive nature of Peter and Andrew's response to Jesus' call. There was no delay, no negotiation, no consultation, but an instant abandonment of their current activity and life for a new path.
* **left (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** Derived from G863, meaning "to send forth," this verb carries a range of meanings including "to forsake, lay aside, leave, let go." In this context, it denotes a complete and intentional abandonment of their nets, symbolizing their livelihood, security, and former way of life. It implies a definitive break with the past in favor of their new calling.
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** From G190, meaning "to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)." This word signifies more than mere physical trailing; it implies becoming a devoted pupil, an adherent, and a committed follower. It denotes a change of allegiance and a willingness to learn from and emulate the one being followed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they straightway left their nets":** This clause highlights the immediate and radical nature of their obedience. The adverb "straightway" (euthéōs) underscores the lack of hesitation, demonstrating a profound trust in Jesus' authority. Their "nets" represent not just their tools of trade, but their entire livelihood, financial security, and established way of life. To leave them immediately signifies a complete and costly abandonment of their past for an unknown future with Christ. This act is a powerful symbol of radical surrender.
* **"and followed him":** This second clause describes the active response to Jesus' call. "Followed him" (akolouthéō) implies more than simply walking behind Jesus; it signifies becoming His disciple, committing to His teachings, His mission, and His way of life. It denotes a transfer of allegiance and a new identity centered on Christ. This act of following marks the beginning of their spiritual journey and their transformation into "fishers of men."

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [Matthew 4:20](/matthew/4-20 "Matthew 4:20 - Peter and Andrew Follow Jesus") is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological impact. **Symbolism** is central, with "nets" serving as a powerful symbol of the disciples' former life, their livelihood, and anything that might hinder their complete devotion to Christ. The act of "leaving their nets" thus symbolizes the necessary abandonment of worldly attachments for the sake of the Kingdom. The immediately preceding call to become "fishers of men" (in [Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - 'Fishers of Men'")) also functions as a **Metaphor**, transforming their familiar profession into a spiritual mission, reorienting their purpose from catching fish to drawing people into God's kingdom. The use of the adverb "straightway" (euthéōs) creates a strong sense of **Immediacy** and **Urgency**, emphasizing the decisive and unhesitating nature of their response, which serves as a model for radical obedience. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Contrast** between their old life as fishermen and their new life as disciples, highlighting the profound transformation initiated by Jesus' call.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 4:20 stands as a foundational text for understanding the nature of biblical discipleship. It illustrates that following Jesus often demands a radical reorientation of one's life, involving the willing abandonment of security, comfort, and even cherished pursuits. This immediate and costly obedience is not a burden but a joyful response to the compelling authority and transformative power of Christ. The act of "leaving their nets" becomes a timeless metaphor for surrendering anything that competes with or hinders full devotion to God's call, whether it be career, possessions, relationships, or personal ambitions. It underscores the truth that true discipleship is not merely intellectual assent but a whole-life commitment, rooted in profound trust in the one who calls.

* [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Call to Self-Denial"): "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Gain in Christ"): "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ."
* [Mark 1:17-18](/mark/1-17-18 "Mark 1:17-18 - Jesus Calls the First Disciples"): "And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The immediate and decisive response of Peter and Andrew in Matthew 4:20 serves as a powerful and enduring challenge for believers across all generations. While few are called to literally abandon a fishing career, the principle of "leaving nets" remains profoundly relevant. It compels us to honestly examine our own lives and identify the "nets"—those things, habits, ambitions, comforts, or even relationships—that might hinder our full and unreserved devotion to Christ. This verse calls us to cultivate an attitude of immediate obedience, recognizing that God's timing and call are perfect, and procrastination can be a subtle form of disobedience. It encourages us to trust in Jesus' provision and purpose, knowing that what we surrender for His sake is always surpassed by the abundant life and eternal purpose He offers. Our willingness to "follow him" means embracing His transformative will for our lives, participating in His redemptive mission, and allowing Him to reorient our priorities from self-serving endeavors to kingdom-building work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "nets"—whether career, possessions, comforts, or personal ambitions—might be hindering your full and immediate obedience to Jesus' call in your life today?**
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself hesitating or delaying in responding to God's clear leading?**
* **How does the example of Peter and Andrew challenge your understanding of what it means to truly "follow" Jesus in a practical, daily sense?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Peter and Andrew leaving their nets immediately?**

Answer: The immediate departure from their nets, as described in [Matthew 4:20](/matthew/4-20 "Matthew 4:20 - Peter and Andrew Follow Jesus"), signifies several crucial points. First, it highlights the compelling authority of Jesus' call; His words were so powerful that they elicited an instant, unhesitating response. Second, it demonstrates radical obedience and profound trust. Their nets represented their livelihood, security, and established way of life. Abandoning them "straightway" meant forsaking all known comforts and financial stability for an unknown future with Jesus. This immediate action serves as a powerful model for discipleship, emphasizing that following Christ often requires a decisive break from anything that competes with or hinders our full commitment to Him, as Jesus later taught about the [cost of discipleship](/luke/14-26-27 "Luke 14:26-27 - The Cost of Discipleship").

**How does this call to discipleship apply to believers today, even if we are not fishermen?**

Answer: While most believers today are not literally called to abandon a fishing profession, the principle of "leaving nets" in [Matthew 4:20](/matthew/4-20 "Matthew 4:20 - Peter and Andrew Follow Jesus") remains profoundly relevant. "Nets" symbolize anything that occupies our primary allegiance, security, or focus apart from Christ. This could include career ambitions, material possessions, comfort zones, destructive habits, unhealthy relationships, or even personal desires that conflict with God's will. The call to "straightway leave their nets, and followed him" means cultivating an attitude of immediate, unreserved obedience to Jesus' call in our lives, trusting Him with our future, and reorienting our priorities to align with His kingdom purposes. It's about recognizing Jesus' supreme authority and being willing to surrender anything that hinders our full devotion to Him, just as Paul counted all things as loss for the sake of Christ in [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Gain in Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 4:20, depicting the immediate and radical response of Peter and Andrew, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Their unhesitating abandonment of their livelihood and their immediate "following him" is a testament to the unparalleled authority and divine magnetism of Jesus. They left everything for the one who is [the very image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"), the one in whom [all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Christ's Fullness"). Their call to become "fishers of men" is not merely a new profession, but a participation in Christ's ultimate redemptive mission to seek and to save the lost, echoing His own declaration that [the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek the Lost"). The radical nature of their discipleship foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ Himself, who, though [He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation"), leaving the glory of heaven to pursue and redeem humanity. Thus, Peter and Andrew's act of leaving their nets is a Christ-centered response to the one who first left everything for them, inviting them into a life of purpose found only in Him, the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd").

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

Mark 10:28

Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

Mark 10:31

But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last first.

Matthew 19:27

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

Luke 18:28

Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

Luke 18:30

Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

1 Kings 19:21

And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

Psalms 119:60

I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.