Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 4:18

"And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers." — Matthew 4:18 (ASV)

Sea of Galilee. This was also called the Sea of Tiberias, the Lake of Gennesareth, and also the Sea of Chinnereth, Numbers 34:11; Deuteronomy 3:17; Joshua 12:3.

It is about fifteen miles in length, and from six to nine in width. It is said that no part of Palestine 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.

The river Jordan flows directly through the lake, it is said, without mingling with its waters, so that the course of the Jordan can be distinctly seen. 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, owing probably 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 Barnes on Matthew 16:18; also see Barnes on John 1:42; also see Barnes on 1 Corinthians 15:5.