Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 4:18-19

"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. And he saith unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men." — Matthew 4:18-19 (ASV)

Our Lord not only preached the kingdom, but He now began to call one and another into its service and privilege. He was walking by the sea, and then and there He began His converting, calling, and ordaining work. Wherever He found Himself living, there He put forth His power. Our sphere is where we are.

Jesus had a special eye for fishers. He summoned to His side the fishing brothers whom He had chosen long ago. He had previously called them by grace, and now He calls them into the ministry. They were busy in a lawful occupation when He called them to be ministers. Our Lord does not call idlers but fishers.

His word was imperial—Follow me. His work was appropriate to their occupation as fishers. It was full of royal promise—I will make you fishers of men—and it was eminently instructive, for an evangelist and a fisher have many points of likeness.

From this passage we learn that only our Lord Himself can make someone a fisher of men, and that those whom He calls can only become successful by following Him.

Lord, as a winner of souls, cause me to imitate Your spirit and method, that I may not labor in vain!