Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Called: Fishers of Men

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Fishers of Men" is a metaphorical expression used by Jesus Christ to describe the mission and calling of His disciples. This phrase is rooted in the context of Jesus' ministry and His call to His first disciples, who were fishermen by trade. The concept is primarily derived from the Gospel accounts, where Jesus invites His followers to leave their nets and become His disciples, tasked with the spiritual mission of evangelism and discipleship.

Biblical Context

The phrase "Fishers of Men" is prominently found in the Synoptic Gospels. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls Simon Peter and his brother Andrew with the words: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark, the account is recorded as: "Come, follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men" (Mark 1:17). These passages highlight the immediate response of the disciples, who left their nets and followed Jesus, signifying a radical transformation from their previous occupation to a new spiritual vocation.

Theological Significance

The calling to be "Fishers of Men" underscores the transformative power of Jesus' invitation. It signifies a shift from a life centered on earthly pursuits to one focused on the Kingdom of God. The metaphor of fishing is particularly apt, as it involves patience, skill, and perseverance—qualities essential for the work of evangelism. Just as fishermen cast their nets to gather fish, disciples are called to spread the Gospel and draw people into the community of believers.

Evangelistic Mission

The role of a Christian minister as a "Fisher of Men" is deeply connected to the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This mission involves preaching the Gospel, teaching the Word of God, and baptizing new believers. The imagery of fishing emphasizes the proactive and intentional effort required to reach out to others with the message of salvation.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the first-century Jewish context, fishing was a common occupation, especially around the Sea of Galilee. The choice of fishermen as some of Jesus' first disciples is significant, as it reflects the accessibility of the Gospel to ordinary people. The metaphor also resonates with the prophetic tradition, where God is depicted as a gatherer of people (Jeremiah 16:16). This connection highlights the continuity between the Old and New Testaments in God's redemptive plan.

Practical Application

For contemporary Christian ministers, being "Fishers of Men" involves engaging with the world through various means of evangelism, including personal witness, preaching, and community outreach. It requires a heart attuned to the needs of others and a commitment to sharing the love and truth of Christ. The call to be "Fishers of Men" is a reminder of the ongoing mission of the Church to bring the light of the Gospel to all corners of the earth.

Conclusion

The calling to be "Fishers of Men" remains a central aspect of Christian ministry, embodying the essence of discipleship and the mandate to spread the Gospel. Through this metaphor, Jesus invites His followers to participate in His mission of redemption, transforming lives and communities through the power of His Word.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 4:19
And he said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 1:17
And Jesus said to them, Come you after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How to Become Fishers of Men
... So the true minister of Christ who fishes for souls ... thing that is very unpopular;
and some Christian people may ... would wonder how he could be called a fisherman ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/how to become fishers of.htm

By the Sea once More
... boats, and had promised to make them fishers of men ... But this was the work which Jesus
now called upon him ... in the heart, the work of the Christian minister is a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 85 by the sea.htm

The Friend of Men 223 in Nothing Does the Contrast Between Jesus ...
... respect for their work, a respect further proved when he called them to be fishers
of men. ... as saying that he came not to be ministered unto but to minister. ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i the friend of men.htm

The Draw-Net.
... angels, and supposes that those who minister the Gospel ... were connected, and forming
a Christian community beyond ... respect of their work are called fishers of men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/vii the draw-net.htm

Seven "I Wills" of Christ.
... and the coach stopped, and the driver called out, "First ... All at it, and always at
it." Every Christian ought to ... him the importance of them, and the minister said ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/seven i wills of christ.htm

The Disciples of Jesus.
... said at times that he would make them fishers of men ... and a younger son, John, who
later was called to play ... and act in a manner as his prime minister and assessor ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter ix the disciples of.htm

Matt. xix. 27
... things here, saying, "I will make you fishers of men ... and the first last; for many
are called, but few ... not to be ministered unto, but to minister." [2451] And ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxiv matt xix 27.htm

Love's Labours
... all things" in the persons whom you are called upon to ... has come of it, still hope
that the minister will one ... shall you prove yourself to be a Christian indeed. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/loves labours.htm

John Chapter i. 34-51
... In the case that a minister baptizes who does not ... in the habit of saying, Pilleatus
himself also is a Christian. ... from the Gospel that the Lord called Peter and ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate vii john chapter i.htm

The Land and the People.
... and 2947 leaves, which represents the anti-Christian petrifaction of ... and when he
called a little child, set him in ... to be ministered unto but to minister and to ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 17 the land and.htm