Luke 5:10 — Community Reflections

LUKE 5:10 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”

And so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people — the don't be afraid addresses the fear/awe of verse 8–9. From now on (apo tou nyn, from this moment) marks the decisive transition: the old vocation is not abandoned but redirected. You will fish for people: the fishing metaphor (catching people for the kingdom) connects the old skill to the new calling — the same capacity, reoriented by the encounter with Jesus.

Church Fathers on Luke 5:10

Peter was astonished at the divine gift, and the more he feared, the less did he now presume; as it is said, When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
Bede · 8th century

For calling back to his consciousness the crimes he had committed, he is alarmed and trembles, and as being unclean, he believes it impossible he can receive Him who is clean, for he had learnt from the law to distinguish between what is defiled and holy.
Cyril of Alexandria · 5th century

When Christ commanded to let down the nets, the multitude of the fishes taken was just as great as the Lord of the sea and land willed. For the voice of the Word is the voice of power, at whose bidding at the beginning of the world light and the other creatures came forth. At these things Peter wonders, for he was astonished, and all that were with him, &c.
Gregory of Nyssa · 4th century

Read all 12 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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