Matthew 4:20

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

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

At once they left their nets and went with him.

And at once they left their nets and followed Him.

And they straightway left the nets, and followed him.

Matthew 4:20 describes the immediate and decisive response of Simon Peter and Andrew to Jesus' call to follow Him. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of their journey as Christ's first disciples, setting an example of radical obedience.

Context

This verse follows directly from Jesus' initial encounter with Simon (Peter) and Andrew by the Sea of Galilee. They were fishermen by trade, engaged in their daily work when Jesus called them, promising to make them "fishers of men." Their livelihood depended entirely on their nets and their catch, making their decision to abandon them a significant act of faith and trust.

Key Themes

  • Immediate Obedience: The phrase "straightway left their nets" emphasizes the promptness and lack of hesitation in their response. There was no delay or negotiation, highlighting a complete surrender to Jesus' authority.
  • Radical Discipleship: Their action demonstrates a willingness to abandon their established life, career, and security for an unknown future with Jesus. This sets a precedent for the cost of true discipleship, which often involves sacrifice.
  • Trust in Jesus' Authority: Peter and Andrew had no prior relationship with Jesus, yet they immediately recognized something extraordinary in His call that compelled them to follow without question.
  • Transformation of Purpose: Their former occupation of catching fish was replaced by a new, higher calling: "fishing" for souls, indicating a complete reorientation of their lives' purpose under Christ's leadership.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "straightway" translates the Greek word euthys (εὐθύς), which means "immediately," "at once," or "forthwith." This term is frequently used in the Gospel of Mark (and Matthew, though less often) to convey a sense of urgency and direct action, reinforcing the spontaneous nature of their response. "Followed him" (Greek: ēkolouthēsan) implies not just physically going after Him, but also becoming His devoted pupil or adherent.

Practical Application

Matthew 4:20 challenges believers today to consider the nature of their own response to Jesus' call. While most are not called to physically abandon a fishing career, the principle of "leaving nets" remains relevant. It signifies releasing anything that hinders our full devotion to Christ—whether it be worldly ambitions, material possessions, comfort zones, or even destructive habits. This verse encourages us to cultivate an attitude of immediate obedience and unwavering trust, recognizing that following Jesus often requires a radical shift in priorities and a willingness to embrace His transformative purpose for our lives. Just as Peter and Andrew were called to a new mission, so too are believers called to participate in God's kingdom work, becoming fruitful servants in His harvest.

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.

  • 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.
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