Matthew 4: 18 22 Jesus Calls Peter, Andrew, James And John

Target year level: Year One

Scripture text

World behind the text

The author of the Gospel of Matthew was probably a Jewish convert who was familiar with the Law, Prophets, Jewish traditions and Messianic expectations. Matthew’s frequent reference to Hebrew Scriptures and traditions suggest that his audience were predominantly Jewish Christians for whom Matthew sought to emphasise the continuity between Judaism and Christianity. Some argue that because of his missionary outlook and openness to gentilesthat the gospel was written for a gentile audience as well.

The Gospel of Matthew was probably written between 85 and 90 CE. The Gospel was first written in Hebrew (or in Aramaic). Matthew used the Greek Gospel according to Mark or material virtually identical to Mark as a source, and its many scriptural quotations are from the Greek translation rather than from the Hebrew. He is writing to an early Christian audience.

For the Jewish people of the time, the sea was a symbol of the forces of chaos prior to the creative action of God’s Spirit. (Gen 1:1-2) In watching Jesus call the fishermen from the sea, we are watching his Spirit call them to be part of a new creation. Jesus’ redeeming action is already at work.

The first disciples were part of a significant and productive fishing industry in Galilee. As members of a family business and owners of boats, nets and other fishing equipment they would have sacrificed a secure and potentially profitable lifestyle to become disciples.

Middle Eastern stories often conclude with a dramatic finish – they left the boat and their father and followed Jesus.

World of the text

References to fish and fishing are relatable to the people of the time as fish was a staple food to the community.

The Greek word translated 'follow' in 4:20, 22 is akolutheô, from which derives our English 'acolyte'. It is commonly used in the gospels for that way of accompanying Jesus that is special to a disciple. These first disciples are being called to carry on Jesus’ mission of rescuing others from the 'sea'. They will 'fish for people'.

World in front of the text

From the beginning, Matthew draws attention to the fact that Jesus’ mission was never meant to be one that he was to carry out on his own. The goal was to reconcile all to God. This involves the building of community and so the necessity of extending an invitation to others to help make this possible.