While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus intentionally sought out these fishermen, not for their skills or status, but to demonstrate that the kingdom of God isn't built on human strength or wisdom. Their ordinary, even mundane, task of casting a net highlights how God can powerfully use everyday lives and common people for extraordinary purposes.
While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just begun his public ministry in Galilee after being tempted in the wilderness. He calls out from the shore, telling people to repent because the kingdom of heaven is near. Now, he encounters two brothers, fishermen by trade, and calls them to leave their nets and follow him, marking the beginning of his discipleship.
Imagine the rhythm of a fisherman's life – the sun, the sea, the nets. Then, into this ordinary scene, Jesus walks in.
Matthew 4:18 paints a picture of everyday life before a life-altering encounter.
The Fishermen's World
These weren't just random guys. Simon (Peter) and Andrew were brothers, working together, casting their nets into the Sea of Galilee. This was their livelihood, their expertise. The sea itself was a vibrant place, teeming with fish and surrounded by bustling towns, a place of both provision and potential danger.
The Unexpected Call
Jesus walking by and seeing them isn't just a casual observation. It's a divine appointment. He sees them not just as fishermen, but as potential disciples. This call isn't to a comfortable life, but to a radical new purpose – to leave their nets and follow Him.
Why would Jesus choose uneducated fishermen to turn the world upside down? It's a question that highlights the power and wisdom of God.
The choice of fishermen like Peter and Andrew wasn't accidental; it was strategic and theological.
Demonstrating Divine Power
God often chooses the seemingly weak and unqualified by human standards to accomplish His greatest purposes. By selecting fishermen, Jesus demonstrated that the power to transform lives and build His kingdom came not from human intellect or social standing, but directly from God.
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The Humility of God's Grace
Choosing ordinary people highlights the freeness of God's grace. It shows that no one is beyond His reach or too insignificant for His plans. Their transformation from fishermen to 'fishers of men' would be a testament to His ability to use anyone, anywhere, for His glory.
This event marks a pivotal moment where Jesus formally calls His first apostles, transitioning them from their established livelihoods as fishermen to a life of dedicated ministry, building upon prior encounters and relationships.
c. 27 AD
John the Baptist's Ministry
John the Baptist begins his ministry, preaching repentance and baptizing people, including Andrew and possibly Simon Peter.
c. 27 AD
Initial Calling of Disciples
Andrew and Simon Peter first encounter Jesus near the Jordan River and are invited to follow Him, establishing an initial connection.
c. 27-28 AD
Early Ministry in Judea
Jesus spends time in Judea, with disciples like Andrew and Peter likely accompanying Him for a period. This period might have included a temporary parting of ways due to political sensitivities.
c. 28 AD— this verse
Return to Galilee and Second Calling
Jesus returns to Galilee and encounters Simon Peter and Andrew again by the Sea of Galilee, formally calling them to leave their fishing occupation and become His full-time disciples.
c. 28 AD
Calling of James and John
Shortly after calling Peter and Andrew, Jesus calls two other brothers, James and John, who are also fishermen, to follow Him.
This passage is the parallel account of the same event, emphasizing Jesus' direct call to these fishermen to leave their trade and follow Him.
Luke 5:1-11This account provides a fuller narrative of Jesus calling Peter and Andrew (and others), including the miraculous catch of fish that underscored His divine authority and their new calling.
John 1:40-42This earlier encounter shows that Andrew and Peter had already met Jesus and recognized Him as the Messiah, setting the stage for this later, formal call to discipleship.
Matthew 10:2-4This passage lists Simon Peter and Andrew among the Twelve Apostles, highlighting their transformation from fishermen to foundational leaders of the early church.
bensonMatthew 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."
Matthew 4:18 . And Jesus, walking, &c., saw two brethren — One of the two, at least, namely, Andrew, had been a disciple of the Baptist. And the Apostle John “informs us, John 1:40 ; John 1:42 , that they had both before been called to the knowledge of Christ, upon the banks of Jordan, and that the name of Peter had been given…
clarkeMatthew 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."
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…
Jesus intentionally sought out these fishermen, not for their skills or status, but to demonstrate that the kingdom of God isn't built on human strength or wisdom. Their ordinary, even mundane, task of casting a net highlights how God can powerfully use everyday lives and common people for extraordinary purposes.
Jesus has just begun his public ministry in Galilee after being tempted in the wilderness. He calls out from the shore, telling people to repent because the kingdom of heaven is near. Now, he encounters two brothers, fishermen by trade, and calls them to leave their nets and follow him, marking the beginning of his discipleship.
Jesus has just begun his public ministry in Galilee after being tempted in the wilderness. He calls out from the shore, telling people to repent because the kingdom of heaven is near. Now, he encounters two brothers, fishermen by trade, and calls them to leave their nets and follow him, marking the beginning of his discipleship.
"While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen." — Jesus intentionally sought out these fishermen, not for their skills or status, but to demonstrate that the kingdom of God isn't built on human strength or wisdom. Their ordinary, even mundane, task…
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Last reviewed October 2026