Δεῦτε ὀπίσω μου. Cf. 2 Kings 6:19. A magisterial invitation, almost a command. No reason is given, except the promise which follows, and we assume that He is already known to the two brothers. As in Mark 11:24; Mark 11:29, the imperative takes the place of a protasis with εἰ or εἰ. Δεῦτε = δεῦρο ἴτε.

γενέσθαι ἁλεεῖς�. Mt. omits γενέσθαι, which points to the preparatory training: ἀνθρώπους ἔσῃ ζωγρῶν (Luke 5:10) is more explicit; men instead of fish, and for life instead of for death; vivos capies homines (Beza). This implies an invitation to permanent service; they are to cease to catch fish and to become fishers of men. This is the earliest instance of Christ’s parabolic teaching; cf. Mark 2:19; Mark 2:21-22. In the result Christ Himself appears as a successful fisher, ἵνα ἁλιεύσῃ τοὺς ἁλιεῖς (Euthym.). Cf. the hymn, sometimes attributed to Clem. Alex.: ἁλιεὺς μερόπων τῶν σωζομένων κ.τ.λ.

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Old Testament