Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 4:22

"And they straightway left the boat and their father, and followed him." — Matthew 4:22 (ASV)

Left the ship and their father—St. Mark adds, "with the hired servants," a fact of interest as it shows that the sons of Zebedee were probably, in some measure, of better means and higher social standing than the sons of Jona. The absence of the latter's name suggests that he was no longer living.

The sacrifice of the disciples may seem small when compared with others in the history of saints. Yet to leave all—to give up the life of home and its regular occupations—requires, in any case, a more or less heroic effort. Beyond that act lay the future, as yet undiscerned, with all its possible trials and sufferings, to which they pledged themselves by that one act .