Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 4:19

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

According to Jn 1:35–51 Peter and Andrew first followed Jesus at an earlier date, but then presumably took up fishing again. Perhaps this earlier event explains the speed with which they followed Jesus.

Simon was called “Peter” (meaning “rock”), but Matthew does not tell us how Peter received this name (cf. 16:18). Jesus called him and his brother Andrew to “follow me.” This expression (along with several others) presupposes a physical “following” during Jesus’ ministry. His “followers” were not just “hearers”; they actually followed their Master around (as students then did) and became, as it were, trainees. There is a straight line from this commission to the Great Commission (28:18–20). Jesus’ followers are indeed to catch other people.