The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 4:19
Christ's call to service. "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." From John 1:1-51 . we learn that these men were previously called to discipleship. It was well that they should have a time of fellowship with Christ before they were further called to the service of Christ. Observe how the full idea of the Messiahship was gradually unfolded, stage by stage. Our Lord never hurried. He set a noble example of "doing the next thing;" and all the Divine plan for him gradually but surely... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 4:19
Follow me ; come ye after me (Revised Version); δεῦτε ὀπίσω μου . There is no thought of continuous following from place to place ( ἀκολουθεῖν ) , but of immediate detachment from the present sphere of their interest and of attachment to Jesus as their leader. And I will make you fishers of men ; Mark, "to become fishers of men," laying more stress on the change in their character necessary for success in this new kind of fishing. Luke 5:10 brings out the change in the... read more