Bible Commentaries

While the people pushed their way up to him. When people have not been made prejudiced by false teachers, they are usually eager to hear the Word. Lake Gennesaret. Another name for Lake Galilee [also called Lake Tiberias].

He saw two boats. They belonged to Peter and Andrew; and James and John. See notes on Matthew 4:18-22.

It belonged to Simon. We know him better as Peter. And taught the crowd. He sat in the fishing boat to teach, so the crowd could not push against him.

Out farther to the deep water. Where the fish are. Let your nets down for a catch. This is Jesus' promise that they will catch fish. But if you say so. They had worked hard all night without catching any fish, but if Christ says John 1:40-42).

That the nets were about to break. "The schools of fish in Lake Galilee are things of wonder, black masses hundreds of yards long, as thick as they could pack themselves together, with their black fins sticking up out of the water. Any net would strain to hold such a heavy load."

He fell on his knees before Jesus. Amazed and frightened by the miracle which brought the fish into their nets.

Jesus said to Simon. He speaks to Simon, but he intends this for the others also (Matthew 4:19).

Left everything, and followed Jesus. They were already disciples (John 1:40-42), but had continued to go on fishing. Now they will follow Jesus personally. From now on they will be catching men for Jesus. Together they will "let the nets down" at Pentecost, and harvest a large number.

A man who was covered with leprosy. See notes on Matthew 8:1-4.

Some Pharisees and teachers of the Law. See notes on Matthew 9:1-8.

And saw a tax collector named Levi. We know this man better as Matthew. See notes on Matthew 9:9-17. All the "inner circle" of disciples had been disciples of John the Baptist, who then left him to follow Christ (Acts 1:20-21). All had continued to work at their jobs until this official call from Jesus. Matthew Levi, too, leaves everything to follow Jesus. Then Levi had a big feast in his house. To have Jesus meet his fellow tax-collectors. (See note on Matthew 9:10.) The disciples of John fast frequently. [Fast: to go without food for a while as a religious duty.] But your disciples eat and drink. They said this to scold Jesus [and his disciples] for attending this feast. Jesus shows that "fasting" should not be an empty formality, but should be done with real meaning, But it is "out of place" at some times. And no one wants new wine after drinking old wine. This is the final answer to the question in Luke 5:33. Only Luke tells this. The disciples of John drank the old wine of Jewish orthodoxy, and did not like the new wine of the grace and freedom of the Gospel. Note there is no comparison being made between the old and the new. The point is that the one who drinks the old will not even try the new because he thinks the old is better.