John Gill Commentary Matthew 4:21

"And going on from thence he saw two other brethren, James the [son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them." — Matthew 4:21 (ASV)

And going on from thence, he saw other two
When he had gone but a little way further, (Mark 1:19) he spied two other persons he was looking for, and had designed to call to the office of apostleship; and these are also described as "brethren", and by name,

James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother .
The Jews make mention in their writings ^F8 , of one (ydbz rb bqey r) , "R. James, the son of Zebedee": which Capellus ^F9 conjectures is the very same person here mentioned: but the James they speak of as a disciple of Jesus, they call (hanym bqey) , "James the heretic" ^F11 ; who, they say, was of the village of Secaniah, and sometimes of the village of Sama. His brother's name was John, who was the Evangelist, as well as Apostle: these were

in a ship with Zebedee their father .
Men of this name, and sons of men of this name, were very common among the Jewish Rabbins; but neither this man, nor his sons, were masters or doctors in Israel; for such Christ chose not for his apostles. It seems to be the same name with Zebadiah, (1 Chronicles 27:7).

These, with him, were "mending their nets", which were broken, and needed repairing; and perhaps being poor, could not afford to buy new ones: this shows their industry and diligence, and may be a pattern and example to persons, closely to attend the business of their calling, whilst the providence of God continues them in it.

And he called them :
from their employment, to follow him, and become his disciples; and no doubt gave them the same promise and encouragement he had given the two former.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F8: T. Hieros. Yebamot, fol. 9. 4. & Maaser Sheni, fol. 55. 2. Trumot. fol. 45. 2. Sheviith. fol. 35. 1. Bereshith Rab. fol. 31. 4. & 36. 2.
• F9: Spicilegium in loc.
• F11: T. Bab. Megilla, 23. 1. Avoda Zara, fol 17. 1. & 27. 2. & 28. 1. Cholin. fol. 84. 1. T. Hieros. Sabbat. fol. 14. 4. & Abvoda Zara, fol. 40. 4. Midrash Kohelet, fol. 62. 4. & 77. 1. Juchasin, fol. 41. 1.