Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 4:22

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

James and John may have been making repairs after a night’s fishing. Jesus took the initiative and “called” (GK 2813) them. In the Synoptics, unlike Paul’s letters (e.g., Romans 8:30), Jesus’ call is not necessarily effectual. But in this instance it was immediately obeyed.