Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Matthew 4:21
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
And going on from thence, he saw other two, etc.] When he had gone but a little way further, (<410119>Mark 1:19) he spied two other persons he was looking for, and had designed to call to the office of apostleship; and these are also described as “brethren”, and by name, James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother. The Jews make mention in their writings f225, of one ydbz rb bq[y r, “R. James, the son of Zebedee”: which Capellus f226 conjectures is the very same person here mentioned: but the James they speak of as a disciple of Jesus, they call hanym bq[y, “James the heretic” f227; who, they say, was of the village of Secaniah, and sometimes of the village of Sama. His brother’s name was John, who was the Evangelist, as well as Apostle: these were in a ship with Zebedee their father. Men of this name, and sons of men of this name, were very common among the Jewish Rabbins; but neither this man, nor his sons, were masters or doctors in Israel; for such Christ chose not for his apostles. It seems to be the same name with Zebadiah, (<132707>1 Chronicles 27:7) these, with him, were “mending their nets”, which were broken, and needed repairing; and perhaps being poor, could not afford to buy new ones: this shows their industry and diligence, and may be a pattern and example to persons, closely to attend the business of their calling, whilst the providence of God continues them in it. And he called them: from their employment, to follow him, and become his disciples; and no doubt gave them the same promise and encouragement he had given the two former.
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