Fishermen(fishers of men, fisher)
“Fisherman”
Summary
Those who caught fish for a living, particularly notable as the occupation of several of Jesus' disciples whom He called to become 'fishers of men.'
☩Character of Fishermen
Fishermen formed a distinct class in ancient Israel. The strenuousness of the work ruled out the weak and indolent. They were crude in manner, rough in speech and treatment of others. James and John before being tempered by Jesus' influence were nicknamed 'sons of thunder.' The fishermen's exposure to all weather made them hardy and fearless. They were accustomed to bear with patience many trying circumstances, often toiling hours without success, yet always ready to try once more.
☩Apostles Called from Fishing
From fishing-nets Jesus called His earliest disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—to 'become fishers of men.' From a fishing-boat He rebuked winds and waves and delivered prophetic parables. To a fishing-boat He walked on the sea. With fish He twice fed multitudes. From a fish's mouth the tribute-stater was paid. After His resurrection, He filled their net with 153 great fishes.
☩Figurative Meaning
Fish were largely used as food, hence the lamentation of fishermen typified general desolation. Abundance of fish and many fishermen indicated general abundance. In the prophets, 'fishers' could represent either those who bring people to God or those who gather them for judgment. The early Christians used the fish symbol as a confession of faith—the Greek word for fish (ICHTHYS) being an acronym for 'Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior.'
Related Verses12 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Fisher; Fisherman," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Fisher; Fishing," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.American Tract Society, "Fish, Fisher," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).