Matthew 4:20

20 And at once [And anon] they left their nets, and followed him.

Matthew 4:20 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 4:20

And they straightway left their nets
That is, as soon as he had called them, they left their worldly employment, and followed him; they gave up themselves to his service, and became his disciples; they not only left their "nets", but their fishing boats, and fishing trade, and all that belonged to it, even all their substance; and also their relations, friends, and acquaintance, see ( Matthew 19:27 ) which shows what a mighty power went along with the words and call of Christ; and what a ready, cheerful, and voluntary subjection this produces, wherever it takes place.

Matthew 4:20 In-Context

18 And Jesus walked beside the sea of Galilee, and saw two brethren [Soothly Jesus, walking beside the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren], Simon, that is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting nets [sending a net] into the sea; for they were fishers.
19 And he said to them, Come ye after me, and I shall make you to be made fishers of men.
20 And at once [And anon] they left their nets, and followed him.
21 And he went forth from that place, and saw twain other brethren [And he going forth from that place, saw two other brethren], James of Zebedee, and John, his brother, in a ship with Zebedee, their father, amending their nets, and he called them.
22 And at once [Soothly anon] they left the nets and the father, and followed him.
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.