Matthew 4:18-20
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Jesus doesn't just see two fishermen; he sees brothers dedicated to their craft, likely mid-task mending their nets. This isn't a random encounter, but a deliberate call to men already engaged in diligent, everyday work, showing that God's call often finds us right where we are, pursuing our honest labors.
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. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is beginning his public ministry in Galilee, and after calling disciples in John's Gospel, he now formally calls fishermen to leave their livelihoods and follow him full-time. He's walking along the Sea of Galilee, a rich fishing ground, and encounters Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, who are actively working. This encounter is a pivotal moment, marking their transition from previous acquaintanceship to a committed discipleship with Jesus as their new Master.
We see Peter and Andrew here, skilled fishermen diligently working their trade. But what does it mean for Jesus to call them away from a life they knew so well?
Jesus finds Simon Peter and Andrew not in a synagogue or a place of religious study, but by the Sea of Galilee, actively engaged in their livelihood as fishermen. They were skilled in casting nets, likely understanding the currents, the seasons, and the habits of fish. This wasn't just a hobby; it was their profession, their expertise.
This scene highlights a crucial aspect of Jesus' ministry: He often called people from their ordinary, everyday lives to follow Him. He didn't seek out the elite or the already-religious professionals. Instead, He met people where they were, recognizing their potential and repurposing their skills. Their experience with nets, with patience, with understanding their environment – these weren't discarded but were foundational for their new work.
The commentators note that this wasn't necessarily the very first time they had encountered Jesus; John's Gospel suggests a prior meeting. However, this moment marks a decisive call to leave their former lives and commit fully to Jesus' mission. It shows that spiritual calling doesn't always mean abandoning all earthly skills, but rather redirecting them towards a divine purpose.
Jesus calls two brothers, Simon and Andrew. What significance does this familial bond hold in the early days of Jesus' ministry?
The text specifically points out that Simon Peter and Andrew are brothers. This isn't a casual detail; it's significant for several reasons.
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Firstly, it shows Jesus establishing His early community with those who already had deep, established relationships. Bringing brothers together into the fold could have provided mutual support and a foundation of trust as they embarked on this new, challenging path.
Secondly, the commentators suggest that when family members follow Jesus, it can lead to divisions but also a powerful unity within the Kingdom. Here, it’s a picture of unity. Their shared calling likely strengthened their commitment, offering comfort and shared understanding as they navigated the unknown.
This also reflects a pattern in Jesus' ministry. He often called pairs or groups who knew each other, like the sons of Zebedee (James and John, mentioned later), and the disciples in general often traveled and ministered in teams.
Jesus encounters these future apostles by the Sea of Galilee. Why is the setting itself so important for understanding this divine call?
The Sea of Galilee, or Lake Gennesaret, was not a remote, desolate place. The commentaries paint a picture of a vibrant region, teeming with life, dotted with towns and bustling with activity. It was the economic and social heart of the region for many.
Jesus choosing this setting—a place of livelihood, daily work, and common life—to initiate the calling of his most prominent disciples is profoundly significant. It underscores that God's work isn't confined to sacred spaces or religious ceremonies; it intersects with the fabric of our ordinary existence.
This wasn't a rare, supernatural event happening in isolation. It was Jesus walking through a familiar landscape, encountering people in their daily routines. The very ordinariness of the setting amplifies the extraordinary nature of the encounter. It demonstrates that the call to follow Christ is meant to integrate with, rather than completely detach from, the realities of life.
Understand the original words
deute opisō mou · Greek Imperative verb phrase
In a spiritual sense, this means to physically and devotionally accompany Jesus, mimicking His life, teaching, and mission. It involves abandonment of one's previous life to be a disciple of the Master.
halieis anthrōpōn · Greek Noun phrase
A metaphor used by Jesus to describe the transformative mission of his disciples: shifting their labor from catching fish to calling people into the kingdom of God through the gospel.
The calling of Peter and Andrew wasn't their first encounter with Jesus; they had previously met him and even followed him for a time. Returning to their fishing trade after an earlier, perhaps more tentative, period with Jesus highlights the practicalities of life and the significant decision required to leave everything behind for a new calling.
c. 26-30 AD— this verse
Jesus begins public ministry
After his baptism and temptation, Jesus commences his public teaching and ministry in Galilee. This marks the start of his active engagement with the people and the formation of his core group of followers.
c. 25-26 AD
John the Baptist's ministry
John the Baptist preaches a message of repentance and baptizes people in the wilderness near the Jordan River. This ministry prepares the way for Jesus and draws considerable attention.
c. 25 AD
Herod Antipas imprisons John the Baptist
The tetrarch Herod Antipas imprisons John the Baptist, likely due to John's public condemnation of his marriage. This event signals growing opposition to the movement associated with John and Jesus.
c. 26 AD
Jesus' first Galilean tour
Jesus undertakes his initial preaching tour throughout Galilee, attracting crowds with his teachings and miracles. This period involves earlier encounters with individuals who would become disciples.
c. 26 AD
Jesus visits Jerusalem
Jesus travels to Jerusalem, where he clears the temple and interacts with religious authorities. This visit draws attention and likely leads to increased scrutiny from opposition.
This passage describes an earlier encounter where Andrew and another disciple were called by Jesus, and Andrew immediately brought his brother Simon to meet Jesus, highlighting a prior connection before this specific calling to discipleship.
Luke 5:1-11This parallel account details a miraculous catch of fish immediately after Jesus called Peter and Andrew, which led to a profound realization of their sinfulness and a deeper commitment to following Him.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29The Apostle Paul reflects on how God chooses the 'weak' and 'foolish' things of the world to confound the wise and strong, echoing the significance of Jesus calling fishermen to demonstrate divine power, not human ability.
Mark 1:16-20This parallel account in Mark's Gospel describes the same event, emphasizing Jesus' direct command, 'Follow me,' and showing how immediately the brothers left their nets and their father to obey.
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 doesn't just see two fishermen; he sees brothers dedicated to their craft, likely mid-task mending their nets. This isn't a random encounter, but a deliberate call to men already engaged in diligent, everyday work, showing that God's call often finds us right where we are, pursuing our honest labors.
Jesus is beginning his public ministry in Galilee, and after calling disciples in John's Gospel, he now formally calls fishermen to leave their livelihoods and follow him full-time. He's walking along the Sea of Galilee, a rich fishing ground, and encounters Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, who are actively working. This encounter is a pivotal moment, marking their transition from previous acquaintanceship to a committed discipleship with Jesus as their new Master.
Jesus is beginning his public ministry in Galilee, and after calling disciples in John's Gospel, he now formally calls fishermen to leave their livelihoods and follow him full-time. He's walking along the Sea of Galilee, a rich fishing ground, and encounters Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, who are actively working. This encounter is a pivotal moment, marking their transition from previous acquaintanceship to a committed discipleship with Jesus as their new Master.
"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. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immedi…" — Jesus doesn't just see two fishermen; he sees brothers dedicated to their craft, likely mid-task mending their nets. This isn't a random encounter, but a deliberate call to men already engaged in d…
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Last reviewed October 2026
