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Text -- Matthew 4:18 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
The Call of the Disciples
4:18 As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon (called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishermen).
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Andrew the brother of Simon Peter
 · Galilee the region of Palestine north of Sameria and west of the upper Jordan River,a region west of Lake Galilee and north of the Jezreel Valley
 · Peter a man who was a leader among the twelve apostles and wrote the two epistles of Peter
 · Simon a son of Jonas and brother of Andrew; an apostle of Jesus Christ,a man who was one of the apostles of Christ and also called 'the Zealot',a brother of Jesus,a man who was a well-know victim of leprosy who had been healed by Jesus (NIV note),a man from Cyrene who was forced to carry the cross of Jesus,a Pharisee man in whose house Jesus' feet were washed with tears and anointed,the father of Judas Iscariot,a man who was a sorcerer in Samaria and who wanted to buy the gifts of the Spirit,a man who was a tanner at Joppa and with whom Peter was staying when Cornelius sent for him


Dictionary Themes and Topics: THADDAEUS | Simon | SIMON THE CANAANITE; SIMON THE CANANAEAN; SIMON THE ZEALOT | SHIP | SEA | Peter | PETER, SIMON | Net | Matthew, Gospel according to | JUDAS ISCARIOT | JESUS CHRIST, 4C1 | JAMES | GALILEE, SEA OF | Fishing, the art of | FISHING | FISHER; FISHERMAN | FISH | Call | Apostles | Andrew | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Lightfoot , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey , Lapide

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Mat 4:18 - -- Casting a net into the sea ( ballantas amphiblēstron eis tēn thalassan ). The word here for net is a casting-net (compare amphiballō in Mar 1...

Casting a net into the sea ( ballantas amphiblēstron eis tēn thalassan ).

The word here for net is a casting-net (compare amphiballō in Mar 1:16, casting on both sides). The net was thrown over the shoulder and spread into a circle (amphi ). In Mat 4:20 and Mat 4:21 another word occurs for nets (diktua ), a word used for nets of any kind. The large drag-net (sagēnē ) appears in Mat 13:47.

Vincent: Mat 4:18 - -- The sea ( τήν θάλασσαν ) The small lake of Gennesaret, only thirteen miles long and six wide in its broadest part, is called the ...

The sea ( τήν θάλασσαν )

The small lake of Gennesaret, only thirteen miles long and six wide in its broadest part, is called the sea, by the same kind of popular usage by which Swiss and German lakes are called See; as the Königsee, the Trauensee. So, also, in Holland we have the Zuyder Zee. The Latin mare ( the sea ) likewise becomes meet in Holland, and is used of a lake, as Haarlemmer Meer; and in England, mere, as appears in Windermere, Grasmere, etc.

Vincent: Mat 4:18 - -- A net ( ἀμφίβληστρον ) From ἀμφὶ , around, and Βάλλω , to throw. Hence the casting -net, which, being east ov...

A net ( ἀμφίβληστρον )

From ἀμφὶ , around, and Βάλλω , to throw. Hence the casting -net, which, being east over the shoulder, spreads into a circle (ἀμφὶ ). The word is sometimes used by classical Greek writers to denote a garment which encompasses the wearer. In Mat 4:20, the word net again occurs, but representing a different Greek word (δίκτυον ) which is the general name for all kinds of nets, whether for taking fish or fowl. Still another word occurs at Mat 13:47, σαγήνη , the draw- net. See farther on that passage.

Wesley: Mat 4:18 - -- Mar 1:16; Luk 5:1.

JFB: Mat 4:18 - -- The word "Jesus" here appears not to belong to the text, but to have been introduced from those portions of it which were transcribed to be used as ch...

The word "Jesus" here appears not to belong to the text, but to have been introduced from those portions of it which were transcribed to be used as church lessons; where it was naturally introduced as a connecting word at the commencement of a lesson.

JFB: Mat 4:18 - -- "called Peter" for the reason mentioned in Mat 16:18.

"called Peter" for the reason mentioned in Mat 16:18.

Clarke: Mat 4:18 - -- Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother - Why did not Jesus Christ call some of the eminent Scribes or Pharisees to publish his Gospel, and not p...

Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother - Why did not Jesus Christ call some of the eminent Scribes or Pharisees to publish his Gospel, and not poor unlearned fishermen, without credit or authority? Because it was the kingdom of heaven they were to preach, and their teaching must come from above: besides, the conversion of sinners, though it be effected instrumentally by the preaching of the Gospel, yet the grand agent in it is the Spirit of God. As the instruments were comparatively mean, and, the work which was accomplished by them was grand and glorious, the excellency of the power at once appeared to be of God, and not of man; and thus the glory, due alone to his name, was secured, and the great Operator of all good had the deserved praise. Seminaries of learning, in the order of God’ s providence and grace, have great and important uses; and, in reference to such uses, they should be treated with great respect: but to make preachers of the Gospel is a matter to which they are utterly inadequate; it is a, prerogative that God never did, and never will, delegate to man

Where the seed of the kingdom of God is sowed, and a dispensation of the Gospel is committed to a man, a good education may be of great and general use: but it no more follows, because a man has had a good education, that therefore he is qualified to preach the Gospel, than it does, that because he has not had that, therefore he is unqualified; for there may be much ignorance of Divine things where there is much human learning; and a man may be well taught in the things of God, and be able to teach others, who has not had the advantages of a liberal education

Men-made ministers have almost ruined the heritage of God. To prevent this, our Church requires that a man be inwardly moved to take upon himself this ministry, before he can be ordained to it. And he who cannot say, that he trusts (has rational and Scriptural conviction) that he is moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon himself this office, is an intruder into the heritage of God, and his ordination, ipso facto, vitiated and of none effect. See the truly apostolic Ordination Service of the Church of England

Clarke: Mat 4:18 - -- Fishers - Persons employed in a lawful and profitable avocation, and faithfully discharging their duty in it. It was a tradition of the elders, that...

Fishers - Persons employed in a lawful and profitable avocation, and faithfully discharging their duty in it. It was a tradition of the elders, that one of Joshua’ s ten precepts was, that all men should have an equal right to spread their nets and fish in the sea of Tiberias, or Galilee. The persons mentioned here were doubtless men of pure morals; for the minister of God should have a good report from them that are without.

Calvin: Mat 4:18 - -- Mat 4:18.And Jesus walking As this history is placed by Luke after the two miracles, which we shall afterwards see, an opinion has commonly prevailed,...

Mat 4:18.And Jesus walking As this history is placed by Luke after the two miracles, which we shall afterwards see, an opinion has commonly prevailed, that the miracle, which is here related by him, was performed some time after that they had been called by Christ. 336 But the reason, which they allege, carries little weight: for no fixed and distinct order of dates was observed by the Evangelists in composing their narratives. The consequence is, that they disregard the order of time, and satisfy themselves with presenting, in a summary manner, the leading transactions in the life of Christ. They attended, no doubt, to the years, so as to make it plain to their readers, in what manner Christ was employed, during the course of three years, from the commencement of his preaching till his death. But miracles, which took place nearly about the same time, are freely intermixed: which will afterwards appear more clearly from many examples. 337

That it is the same history, which is given by the three Evangelists, is proved by many arguments: but we may mention one, which will be sufficient to satisfy any reader, who is not contentious. All the three agree in stating, that Peter and Andrew, James and John, were made apostles. If they had been previously called, it would follow that they were apostates, who had forsaken their Master, despised their calling, and returned to their former occupation. There is only this difference between Luke and the other two, that he alone relates the miracle, which the others omit. But it is not uncommon with the Evangelists, to touch slightly one part of a transaction, and to leave out many of the circumstances. There is, therefore, no absurdity in saying, that a miracle, which is related by one, has been passed over by the other two. And we must bear in mind what John says, that, out of the innumerable miracles “which Jesus did,” (Joh 21:25,) a part only has been selected, which was sufficient to prove his divine power, and to confirm our faith in him. There is therefore no reason to wonder, if the calling of the four apostles is slightly touched by Matthew and Mark, while the occasion of it is more fully explained by Luke.

TSK: Mat 4:18 - -- walking : Mat 1:16-18; Luk 5:2 sea : Mat 15:29; Num 34:11; Deu 3:17, Chinnereth, Luk 5:1, lake of Gennesaret, Joh 6:1, Joh 21:1, sea of Tiberias two :...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Mat 4:18 - -- Sea of Galilee - This was also called the Sea of Tiberias and the Lake of Gennesareth, and also the Sea of Chinnereth, Num 34:11; Deu 3:17; Jos...

Sea of Galilee - This was also called the Sea of Tiberias and the Lake of Gennesareth, and also the Sea of Chinnereth, Num 34:11; Deu 3:17; Jos 12:3. Its form is an irregular oval, with the large end to the north. It is about 14 miles in length, and from 6 miles to 9 miles in width. It is about 600 feet lower than the Mediterranean, and this great depression accounts for some of its special phenomena. There is no part of Palestine, it is said, which can be compared in beauty with the environs of this lake. Many populous cities once stood on its shores, such as Tiberias, Bethsaida, Capernaum, Chorazin, Hippo, etc. The shores are described by Josephus as a perfect paradise, producing every luxury under heaven at all seasons of the year, and its remarkable beauty is still noticed by the traveler. "Seen from any point of the surrounding heights, it is a fine sheet of water a burnished mirror set in a framework of surrounding hills and rugged mountains, which rise and roll backward and upward to where hoary Hermon hangs the picture on the blue vault of heaven."The lake is fed mainly by the Jordan; but besides this there are several great fountains and streams emptying into it during the rainy seasons, which pour an immense amount of water into it, raising its level several feet above the ordinary mark. See The Land and the Book (Thomson), vol. ii. p. 77. Lieutenant Lynch reports its greatest ascertained depth at 165 feet. The waters of the lake are sweet and pleasant to the taste, and clear. The lake still abounds with fish, and gives employment, as it did in the time of our Saviour, to those who live on its shores. It is, however, stormy, probably due to the high hills by which it is surrounded.

Simon called Peter - The name "Peter"means a rock, and is the same as "Cephas."See the Mat 16:18 note; also Joh 1:42 note; 1Co 15:5 note.

Poole: Mat 4:18 - -- Whether by the sea he here meant the lake of Gennesaret, or the ocean, is not worth the arguing, for the Jews called all great collections of wate...

Whether by the sea he here meant the lake of Gennesaret, or the ocean, is not worth the arguing, for the Jews called all great collections of waters the seas, according to Gen 1:10 .

He saw two brethren ,

Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother whether natural brethren, or called so because of their joint employment,

casting a net into the sea either for the catching of fish, or for the washing of their nets: see Luk 5:2 .

For they were fishers: sea men (as the word seems to signify) used to fish in the sea. Simon had a ship of his own, Luk 5:3 . The evangelists’ differing relation of the call of Simon and Andrew hath made a great deal of work for interpreters. The greatest difference seemeth to be betwixt Matthew, in this text, and John, Joh 1:35-38 . But certainly John speaketh of one call in those verses, the other evangelists of another. According to John, they were called to the knowledge of and first acquaintance with Christ while John was in the public exercise of his ministry, for they were his disciples, Joh 1:35,36,39 , they are said at that time to have abode with him that day. Probably they again returned to their old employment, and when John was imprisoned, Christ, walking by the sea, saw them, and then called them to the apostleship. There are other differences in their call observed betwixt Matthew, Mark, and Luke, but such as may be easily answered by those who observe, that there is nothing more ordinary, than for the evangelists, in reporting the same history, one of them to supply more largely what the other had recorded more summarily.

Lightfoot: Mat 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 we...

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.   

[Casting a net into the sea.] Fishing in the sea of Tiberias; in Talmudic speech. There the fathers of the traditions dream that Joshua the son of Nun gave ten laws to the Israelites concerning having some things in common, as lawful, and to be allowed of: Our Rabbins have a tradition that Joshua ordained ten conditions: That cattle graze in common in woody places. And that a man gather wood in common in his neighbour's field; etc. Among others, And that any, in common, spread his nets for fishing in the sea of Tiberias. But yet under this caution, That none set up a wall, which may be any stop to ships. The Gloss is, "It is the manner of fishermen to fasten stakes in the water, and to make fences of canes or reeds, in which the fish may be taken: but this is not permitted, because it is an impediment to the ships." However therefore the sea of Tiberias belonged to the tribe of Nephthali, yet it was free for any Israelite to fish in it, so it were under the condition mentioned.

Haydock: Mat 4:18 - -- Jesus wished not only to prove that the establishment of his religion was heavenly, but also to humble the pride of man; and therefore he did not choo...

Jesus wished not only to prove that the establishment of his religion was heavenly, but also to humble the pride of man; and therefore he did not choose orators and philosophers, but fishermen, says St. Jerome. Cyprian, the eloquent orator, was called to the priesthood; but before him was Peter, the fisherman. (St. John Chrysostom) ---

Jesus saw two brothers, &c. If we compare what is related by the evangelists, as to the time that St. Peter and St. Andrew became Christ's disciples, we shall find Andrew, who had been a disciple of St. John Baptist, to have brought to Christ his brother Simon. (John i, ver. 40.) But at that time they staid not with him, so as to become his disciples, and to remain with him as they afterwards did, by quitting their boat, their nets, their fishing, and all they had in the world, which is here related; and by St. Mark, (chap. i,) and by St. Luke, chap. v. (Witham)

Gill: Mat 4:18 - -- And Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee,.... Not for his recreation and diversion, or by accident: but on purpose to look out for, and call some, whom...

And Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee,.... Not for his recreation and diversion, or by accident: but on purpose to look out for, and call some, whom he had chosen to be his disciples. And as he was walking about, to and fro, he "saw two" persons; and as soon as he saw them, he knew them to be those he had determined to make his apostles: and these are described by their relation to each other, "brethren"; not merely because they were of the same nation, or of the same religion, or of the same employ and business of life, but because they were of the same blood; and by their names, "Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother". Simon is the same name with שמעון, "Simeon"; and so he is called, Act 15:14 and which, in the Jerusalem dialect, is read סימון, "Simon". His surname "Peter", which was afterwards given him by Christ, Mat 16:18 is Greek, and answers to "Cephas", signifying a "rock": though this name is to be met with in the Talmudic d writings, where we read of R. Jose, בר פיטרס, "bar Petros". This his surname is added here, to distinguish him from Simon, the Canaanite. The name of his brother Andrew is generally thought to be Greek; though some have derived it from נדר, "to vow", and is also to be observed in the writings of the Jews e; where mention is made of R. Chanina, בר אנדריי bar Andrei. They are further described by the work they were at, or business they were employed in,

casting a net into the sea; either in order to catch fish in it, or to wash it, Luk 5:2 and the reason of their so doing is added; "for they were fishers". Of this mean employment were the very first persons Christ was pleased to call to the work of the ministry; men of no education, who made no figure in life, but were despicable and contemptible: this he did, to make it appear, that they were not qualified for such service of themselves; that all their gifts and qualifications were from him; to show his own power; to confound the wisdom of the wise; and to let men see, that none ought to glory in themselves, but in him. The Jews have a notion of the word of God and prophecy being received and embraced only by such sort of persons: says R. Isaac Arama f,

"his word came to heal all, but some particular persons only receive it; and who of all men are of a dull under standing, דייגים עבדי הים, "fishermen, who do business in the sea": this is what is written; "they that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters, these see the works of the Lord": these seem not indeed fit to receive anything that belongs to the understanding, because of their dulness; and yet these receive the truth of prophecy and vision, because they believe his word.''

I cannot but think, that some respect is had to these fishers, in Eze 47:10 "it shall come to pass that fishers shall stand upon it": that is, upon, or by the river of waters, said in Eze 47:8 to "issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert": which both R. Jarchi and Kimchi understand of the sea of Tiberias; the same with the sea of Galilee, by which Christ walked; and where he found these fishers at work, and called them. See also Jer 16:16

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Mat 4:18 The two phrases in this verse placed in parentheses are explanatory comments by the author, parenthetical in nature.

Geneva Bible: Mat 4:18 ( 3 ) 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 wer...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Mat 4:1-25 - --1 Christ, fasting forty days, is tempted of the devil and ministered unto by angels.12 He dwells in Capernaum;17 begins to preach;18 calls Peter and A...

MHCC: Mat 4:18-22 - --When Christ began to preach, he began to gather disciples, who should be hearers, and afterwards preachers of his doctrine, who should be witnesses of...

Matthew Henry: Mat 4:18-22 - -- When Christ began to preach, he began to gather disciples, who should now be the hearers, and hereafter the preachers, of his doctrine, who sh...

Barclay: Mat 4:18-22 - --All Galilee centered round the Sea of Galilee. It is thirteen miles long from north to south, and eight miles across from east to west. The Sea of ...

Constable: Mat 4:12-25 - --A. The beginning of Jesus' ministry 4:12-25 Matthew gave much prominence to Jesus' teachings in his Gosp...

Constable: Mat 4:18-22 - --3. The call of four disciples 4:18-22 (cf. Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11) The calling of these four men shows Jesus' authority over people. The response o...

College: Mat 4:1-25 - --MATTHEW 4 F. THE TESTING OF THE SON (4:1-11) 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty da...

McGarvey: Mat 4:18-21 - -- XXX. JESUS CALLS FOUR FISHERMEN TO FOLLOW HIM. (Sea of Galilee, near Capernaum.) aMATT. IV. 18-22; bMARK I. 16-20; cLUKE V. 1-11.    ...

Lapide: Mat 4:1-25 - --CHAPTER 4 By the devil. Syriac, by the accuser, Gr. διάβολος, accuser, calumniator. For Satan is he who accuses men before God perpetually...

Lapide: Mat 4:14-25 - --The people that sat in darkness, &c. I have expounded this prophecy at length in Isa 9:1: which see. From that time Jesus began, &c. This was the sum...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Matthew (Book Introduction) THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW By Way of Introduction The passing years do not make it any plainer who actually wrote our Greek Matthew. Papias r...

JFB: Matthew (Book Introduction) THE author of this Gospel was a publican or tax gatherer, residing at Capernaum, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. As to his identity with t...

JFB: Matthew (Outline) GENEALOGY OF CHRIST. ( = Luke 3:23-38). (Mat. 1:1-17) BIRTH OF CHRIST. (Mat 1:18-25) VISIT OF THE MAGI TO JERUSALEM AND BETHLEHEM. (Mat 2:1-12) THE F...

TSK: Matthew (Book Introduction) Matthew, being one of the twelve apostles, and early called to the apostleship, and from the time of his call a constant attendant on our Saviour, was...

TSK: Matthew 4 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Mat 4:1, Christ, fasting forty days, is tempted of the devil and ministered unto by angels; Mat 4:12, He dwells in Capernaum; Mat 4:17, b...

Poole: Matthew 4 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 4

MHCC: Matthew (Book Introduction) Matthew, surnamed Levi, before his conversion was a publican, or tax-gatherer under the Romans at Capernaum. He is generally allowed to have written h...

MHCC: Matthew 4 (Chapter Introduction) (Mat 4:1-11) The temptation of Christ. (Mat 4:12-17) The opening of Christ's ministry in Galilee. (Mat 4:18-22) Call of Simon and others. (Mat 4:23...

Matthew Henry: Matthew (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Gospel According to St. Matthew We have now before us, I. The New Testament of our Lord and Savior...

Matthew Henry: Matthew 4 (Chapter Introduction) John Baptist said concerning Christ, He must increase, but I must decrease; and so it proved. For, after John had baptized Christ, and borne his te...

Barclay: Matthew (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW The Synoptic Gospels Matthew, Mark and Luke are usually known as the Synoptic Gospels. Synopt...

Barclay: Matthew 4 (Chapter Introduction) The Testing Time (Mat_4:1-11) The Temptations Of Christ (Mat_4:1-11 Continued) The Sacred Story (Mat_4:1-11 Continued) The Attack Of The Tempter...

Constable: Matthew (Book Introduction) Introduction The Synoptic Problem The synoptic problem is intrinsic to all study of th...

Constable: Matthew (Outline) Outline I. The introduction of the King 1:1-4:11 A. The King's genealogy 1:1-17 ...

Constable: Matthew Matthew Bibliography Abbott-Smith, G. A. A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T. & T. Cl...

Haydock: Matthew (Book Introduction) THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW INTRODUCTION. THIS and other titles, with the names of those that wrote the Gospels,...

Gill: Matthew (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO MATTHEW The subject of this book, and indeed of all the writings of the New Testament, is the Gospel. The Greek word ευαγγελ...

College: Matthew (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION HISTORY OF INTERPRETATION It may surprise the modern reader to realize that for the first two centuries of the Christian era, Matthew's...

College: Matthew (Outline) OUTLINE I. ESTABLISHING THE IDENTITY AND ROLE OF JESUS THE CHRIST - Matt 1:1-4:16 A. Genealogy of Jesus - 1:1-17 B. The Annunciation to Joseph...

Lapide: Matthew (Book Introduction) PREFACE. —————— IN presenting to the reader the Second Volume [Matt X to XXI] of this Translation of the great work of Cornelius à Lapi...

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