The Call of the Disciples
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▸ ± Mk 1.16-20 , ▸ ± Mt 4.18-22
Mk1:
- 16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
- 17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
- 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.
- 19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the [son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
- 20 And straightway he called them: and they left their
Mt 4:
- 18 ¶ And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
- 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
- 20 And they straightway left [their] nets, and followed him.
- 21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
- 22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.
- Calling of the First Disciples: Both accounts describe Jesus calling Simon (Peter) and Andrew, followed by James and John.
- Setting by the Sea of Galilee: Jesus finds them as they are engaged in their work as fishermen.
- Immediate Response: The disciples leave their nets and follow Jesus immediately.
- Theme of Transformation: Jesus tells them they will become “fishers of men,” signifying a shift from their earthly occupation to a spiritual mission.
Differences Between Mark and Matthew
- Wording of the Call:
- Mark: Jesus says, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17)
- Matthew: The wording is slightly different: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) Matthew omits "become," implying a more immediate transformation.
- Details About James and John:
- Mark: Emphasizes that James and John left their father Zebedee with hired servants (Mark 1:20), suggesting a more detailed socioeconomic background.
- Matthew: Leaves out the mention of hired servants, making the departure seem more personal and family-centered.
How the Study During the Gaps of Authorship Explains the Differences
- Mark’s Simplicity: Mark, written first, presents a straightforward and fast-paced account, focusing on action and urgency. His inclusion of “hired servants” could hint at details remembered from Peter’s personal recollections.
- Matthew’s Expansion: After studying Mark’s account, Matthew refines the details to highlight how Jesus fulfills Israel’s story. He presents Jesus’ calling as an authoritative command that leads to immediate obedience, omitting unnecessary details that might detract from the fulfillment of prophecy and divine authority.
Unique Ideas of the Gospel Authors
- Mark: Emphasizes the dramatic and urgent nature of discipleship, showing how Jesus’ call disrupts daily life and demands total commitment.
- Matthew: Frames Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s story, shaping his account to emphasize obedience, authority, and divine purpose.
Unique Ideas of the Author (Me) in Putting This Together
- Discipleship as a Picture of Creation:
- The disciples are called just as God spoke creation into being.
- The transition from fishermen to “fishers of men” reflects the idea that man, created from the dust, is now being remade in the image of Christ.
- Word Formations and Hebrew Insights:
- The act of “following” (הלך) in Hebrew can be connected to the deeper biblical theme of walking in faith (as Abraham did).
- The idea of being “fishers of men” could relate to the concept of gathering (אסף), hinting at an eschatological in-gathering of God’s people.
- Typological Connection to Israel:
- Just as Israel was called out of Egypt to follow God into the wilderness, these disciples are being called away from their old lives into something new, symbolizing the new exodus in Christ.
