Bridging the Testaments: The Fulfilment of Old Testament Scripture in Matthew 4:18
Fishers of Men
This is the introduction of Jesus at the beginning of His ministry
“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.”
Where It Took Place:
This event occurred early in Jesus’ ministry, around 30 AD, as He walked by the Sea of Galilee. The audience was initially limited to Simon Peter and Andrew, two fishermen who would become His first disciples. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus’ calling of His followers, setting the stage for His public ministry.
By Andreas F. Borchert
Key Keywords:
- Calling: Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, leading to a transformed life.
- Discipleship: The commitment to follow Jesus and learn from Him.
- Fishers of Men: A metaphor Jesus uses to describe the mission of His followers.
Old Testament Scriptures:
- Jeremiah 16:16 – “Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them…”
- This passage speaks of God sending “fishers” to gather His people, an image Jesus uses to define the mission of His disciples.
- Ezekiel 47:10 – “And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim…”
- In Ezekiel’s vision, fishermen stand by a life-giving river, symbolising the gathering of God’s people.
- Psalm 107:23-24 – “They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.”
- This Psalm highlights the theme of encountering God’s wonders, a concept Jesus introduces by calling fishermen to witness His works.
How Matthew 4:18 Reflects and Fulfils Old Testament Scriptures:
Jesus’ calling of fishermen reflects the prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, where the imagery of fishing is associated with gathering God’s people. In the Old Testament, fishers symbolise those who seek out and gather the lost; Jesus elevates this image by calling His disciples to be “fishers of men,” indicating a spiritual mission to bring people to God. This continuity shows Jesus fulfilling and expanding Old Testament roles, emphasising His authority to redefine missions in a New Covenant context.
Scholarly Approach and Insights:
The calling of Simon Peter and Andrew represents a radical shift from their ordinary lives to a life of discipleship. Scholars highlight the significance of the Sea of Galilee as a symbol of both physical and spiritual sustenance, pointing to Jesus’ choice of fishermen as both practical (familiar with perseverance and patience) and symbolic (gathering people into God’s kingdom). The call to “follow Me” has strong Messianic undertones, linking Jesus with Old Testament figures who led God’s people.
Meaning of Keywords:
- Fishers of Men: This phrase symbolises evangelism—reaching out and guiding others to the truth of the Gospel.
- Sea of Galilee: A central location in Jesus’ ministry, representing both a literal and metaphorical source of life and transformation.
Application for Today’s Christians:
For contemporary Christians, Matthew 4:18 serves as a powerful reminder of the call to discipleship. Like Peter and Andrew, believers are invited to leave behind their old ways and follow Jesus, committing to a life of sharing the Good News. The concept of being “fishers of men” is a challenge to engage in evangelism, showing others the love of Christ and participating in God’s mission of redemption.
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