Luke 5:9
For he and his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,
For he and his companions
This phrase refers to Simon Peter and those with him, likely including James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners in the fishing business. The Greek word for "companions" (κοινωνοί, koinonoi) implies a close partnership or fellowship. This highlights the communal nature of their work and the shared experience of witnessing Jesus' miraculous power. In a broader sense, it reflects the early Christian community's emphasis on fellowship and shared mission, as seen in Acts 2:42.

were astonished
The Greek word used here is "θάμβος" (thambos), which conveys a sense of amazement or awe. This reaction is not merely surprise but a profound recognition of the divine intervention they have just witnessed. In the context of the Gospel, this astonishment is a recurring theme when people encounter the miraculous works of Jesus, pointing to His divine authority and the breaking in of God's kingdom.

at the catch of fish
The "catch of fish" is central to this narrative, symbolizing abundance and divine provision. In the historical context, fishing was a common occupation around the Sea of Galilee, and a catch of this magnitude would have been economically significant. Spiritually, this miraculous catch prefigures the mission of the disciples as "fishers of men" (Luke 5:10), indicating the abundant harvest of souls that would result from their future ministry.

they had taken
The phrase "they had taken" underscores the disciples' active participation in the miracle. While the power and initiative are clearly from Jesus, the disciples' obedience in casting their nets despite their initial skepticism (Luke 5:5) is crucial. This cooperation between divine power and human action is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing faith and obedience as responses to God's call.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Simon Peter
A fisherman by trade, Simon Peter is one of the central figures in this passage. His astonishment at the miraculous catch of fish signifies a turning point in his understanding of Jesus' divine authority.

2. James and John
The sons of Zebedee, they were partners with Simon in the fishing business. Their presence highlights the communal nature of the miracle and the shared experience of witnessing Jesus' power.

3. The Sea of Galilee
The location of this event, the Sea of Galilee, is a significant setting for many of Jesus' miracles and teachings. It serves as a backdrop for demonstrating Jesus' authority over nature.

4. The Miraculous Catch of Fish
This event is a demonstration of Jesus' divine power and a precursor to the calling of the first disciples. It symbolizes abundance and the transformative power of faith.

5. Jesus
The central figure who performs the miracle, demonstrating His divine authority and calling His first disciples to follow Him.
Teaching Points
Divine Authority
Jesus' command over nature in the miraculous catch of fish demonstrates His divine authority. Believers are called to recognize and submit to His lordship in every area of life.

Faith and Obedience
Simon Peter's willingness to cast the nets again, despite his initial doubt, illustrates the importance of faith and obedience. Trusting Jesus' word can lead to unexpected blessings.

Call to Discipleship
The astonishment of Simon and his companions serves as a catalyst for their decision to follow Jesus. Believers are encouraged to respond to Jesus' call with the same willingness to leave behind their old lives.

Community in Witnessing Miracles
The shared experience of the miraculous catch among Simon, James, and John highlights the importance of community in the Christian faith. Believers are encouraged to share their experiences of God's work with others.

Abundance in Christ
The overflowing nets symbolize the abundance found in Christ. Believers are reminded that Jesus provides not only for physical needs but also spiritual abundance.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the miraculous catch of fish in Luke 5:9 demonstrate Jesus' authority, and how can this understanding impact your daily life?

2. In what ways does Simon Peter's response to Jesus' command challenge you to act in faith and obedience in your current circumstances?

3. How does the communal aspect of this miracle encourage you to share your faith experiences with others in your community?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in an unexpected way. How does this passage encourage you to trust in God's abundance?

5. How can the call to discipleship in this passage inspire you to prioritize your relationship with Jesus over other commitments in your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 21:1-14
This passage describes another miraculous catch of fish after Jesus' resurrection, reinforcing His divine authority and the call to discipleship.

Matthew 4:18-22
This account of Jesus calling His first disciples parallels the event in Luke 5, emphasizing the theme of leaving everything to follow Christ.

Psalm 107:23-32
This Psalm speaks of God's power over the sea, drawing a parallel to Jesus' authority over nature as demonstrated in the miraculous catch.
Fishers of MenR.M. Edgar Luke 5:1-11
A Broken NetS. Baring-Gould, M. A.Luke 5:6-11
A New Year', Word for Business PeopleMark Guy Pearse.Luke 5:6-11
A Night of Toil: the Philosophy of FailureW. Scott.Luke 5:6-11
An Image of the Preaching of the GospelVan Oosterzee.Luke 5:6-11
Blessing in Our Temporal CallingLisco.Luke 5:6-11
Christ the Lord of NatureW. J. Deane, M. A.Luke 5:6-11
Christ with the Galilean FishermenJames Foote, M. A.Luke 5:6-11
Failure and SuccessR. A. Griffin.Luke 5:6-11
Failure, Faith, and FortuneM. Braithwaite.Luke 5:6-11
Faith Triumphant in FailureDean Vaughan.Luke 5:6-11
Gospel for the Fifth Sunday After TrinityG. Calthrop, M. A.Luke 5:6-11
Peter an Example for UsFuchs.Luke 5:6-11
Place of the Miracle in the HistoryA. B. Bruce, D. D.Luke 5:6-11
Reasons for the MiracleW. J. Deane, M. A.Luke 5:6-11
The Blessed FishermenHeubner.Luke 5:6-11
The Desponding EncouragedJ. Woodhouse., J. Keble.Luke 5:6-11
The Disappointing Night and the Successful MornR. M. Spoor.Luke 5:6-11
The Faith of PeterVan Oosterzee.Luke 5:6-11
The Galilean FishersNewman Hall, LL. B.Luke 5:6-11
The Just Means of Gaining Temporal BlessingHeubner.Luke 5:6-11
The Miraculous Draught of FishesD. Longwill.Luke 5:6-11
The Nature of the MiracleA. B. Bruce, D. D., Dean Plumptre in "Poet's Bible.Luke 5:6-11
The Obedience of FaithVan Oosterzee.Luke 5:6-11
The Remarkable Transitions in the Life of FaithVan Oosterzee.Luke 5:6-11
The Sinking Fishing-Boat a Symbol of the Ruinous Tendency of Abounding ProsperityT. R. Stevenson.Luke 5:6-11
The Three F's -- a Parable of FishingT. L. Cuyler, D. D.Luke 5:6-11
The Two Draughts of FishesC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 5:6-11
This ParagraphJ. Parker, D. D.Luke 5:6-11
Use of PartnersBishop Hall.Luke 5:6-11
Weariness and FaithDean Vaughan.Luke 5:6-11
People
James, Jesus, John, Levi, Peter, Simon, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Galilee, Genneseret, Jerusalem, Judea
Topics
Amazed, Amazement, Astonished, Astonishment, Catch, Caught, Companions, Draught, Fish, Fishes, Full, Haul, Hold, Laid, Seized, Wonder
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 5:9

     5784   amazement
     5962   surprises

Luke 5:1-11

     7758   preachers, call

Luke 5:2-11

     6620   calling

Luke 5:7-10

     7924   fellowship, in service

Library
March 25 Evening
Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing; nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.--LUKE 5:5. All power is give unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: . . . and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea. Though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: necessity is laid
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 19. "Launch Out into the Deep" (Luke v. 4).
"Launch out into the deep" (Luke v. 4). Many difficulties and perplexities in connection with our Christian life might be best settled by a simple and bold decision of our will to go forward with the light we have and leave the speculations and theories that we cannot decide for further settlement. What we need is to act, and to act with the best light we have, and as we step out into the present duty and full obedience, many things will be made plain which it is no use waiting to decide. Beloved,
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

December 9. "Launch Out into the Deep" (Luke v. 4).
"Launch out into the deep" (Luke v. 4). One of the special marks of the Holy Ghost in the Apostolic Church was the spirit Of boldness. One of the most essential qualities of the faith that is to attempt great things for God and expect great things from God, is holy audacity. Where we are dealing with a supernatural Being, and taking from Him things that are humanly impossible, it is easier to take much than little; it is easier to stand in a place of audacious trust than in a place of cautious, timid
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Humility
LUKE v. 8. Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. Few stories in the New Testament are as well known as this. Few go home more deeply to the heart of man. Most simple, most graceful is the story, and yet it has in it depths unfathomable. Great painters have loved to draw, great poets have loved to sing, that scene on the lake of Gennesaret. The clear blue water, land- locked with mountains; the meadows on the shore, gay with their lilies of the field, on which our Lord bade them look,
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

Instructions for Fishermen
'Now when He had left speaking, He said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.'--LUKE v. 4. The day's work begins early in the East. So the sun, as it rose above the hills on the other side of the lake, shone down upon a busy scene, fresh with the dew and energy of the morning, on the beach by the little village of Bethsaida. One group of fishermen was washing their nets, their boats being hauled up on the strand. A crowd of listeners was thus early gathered round
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Fear and Faith
'When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.' --LUKE v. 8. 'Now, when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him,... and did cast himself into the sea.'--JOHN xxi. 7. These two instances of the miraculous draught of fishes on the Lake of Gennesareth are obviously intended to be taken in conjunction. Their similarities and their differences are equally striking and equally instructive. In the fragment
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Blasphemer, or --Who?
'And it came to pass on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. 18. And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before Him. 19. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the house-top,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

"The Moody and Sankey Humbug. "
There was a man, while we were in London, who got out a little paper called "The Moody and Sankey Humbug." He used to have it to sell to the people coming into the meeting. After he had sold a great many thousand copies of that number, he wanted to get out another number; so he came to the meeting to get something to put into the paper; but the power of the Lord was present. It says here in this chapter (Luke 5) that the Pharisees, scribes, and doctors, were watching the words of Christ in that house
Dwight L. Moody—Moody's Anecdotes And Illustrations

Absolution.
Preached June 2, 1850. ABSOLUTION. "And the Scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"--Luke v. 21. There are questions which having been again and again settled, still from time to time, present themselves for re-solution; errors which having been refuted, and cut up by the roots, re-appear in the next century as fresh and vigorous as ever. Like the fabled monsters of old, from whose dissevered neck the blood
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

Carried by Four
When our Lord left his retirement he found the crowd around him exceeding great, and it was as motley as it was great; for while here were many sincere believers, there were still more sceptical observers; some were anxious to receive his healing power, others equally desirous to find occasion against him. So in all congregations, however the preacher may be clothed with his Master's spirit and his Master's might, there will be a mixed gathering; there will come together your Pharisees and doctors
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Secret of Success.
5th Sunday after Trinity S. Luke v. 5. "We have taken nothing; nevertheless at Thy word, I will let down the net." INTRODUCTION.--S. Peter and the other Apostles had been fishing all night, and had met with no success at all, then Jesus entered into the boat of Simon, and bade him launch out and let down his net. S. Peter did not hesitate. He had met with no success when fishing in the night, nevertheless now, at the word of Christ, he fishes again, and this time the net encloses a great multitude,
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Christ the Great Physician.
"They that are whole have no need of a physician; but they that are sick. I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance" (Luke v. 31, 32). "For this people's heart is waxed gross, And their ears are dull of hearing, And their eyes they have closed; Lest haply they should perceive with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And should turn again, And I should heal them" (Matt. xiii. 15). "He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted" (Luke iv. 18).
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

Jesus, Still Lead On.
"Jesu, geh Voran." "They forsook all, and followed him."--Luke 5:11. [7]Ludwig von Zinzendorf transl., Jane Borthwick, 1846, 1854 Jesus, still lead on, Till our rest be won! And although the way be cheerless, We will follow, calm and fearless. Guide us by thy hand To our Fatherland. If the way be drear, If the foe be near, Let not faithless fears o'ertake us, Let not faith and hope forsake us For, through many a foe, To our home we go! When we seek relief From a long-felt grief-- When oppressed
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen, Widely Different from the Purity Required by the Gospel. Of Confession and Satisfaction.
1. Errors of the Schoolmen in delivering the doctrine of repentance. 1. Errors in defining it. Four different definitions considered. 2. Absurd division. 3. Vain and puzzling questions. 4. Mode in which they entangle themselves. 2. The false doctrine of the Schoolmen necessary to be refuted. Of contrition. Their view of it examined. 3. True and genuine contrition. 4. Auricular confession. Whether or not of divine authority. Arguments of Canonists and Schoolmen. Allegorical argument founded on Judaism.
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Seventh Appearance of Jesus.
(Sea of Galilee.) ^D John XXI. 1-25. ^d 1 After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and he manifested himself on this wise. 2 There was together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee [see p. 111], and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. [As usual, Peter was the leader.] They say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and entered into the boat;
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Disciples of Jesus.
In this terrestrial paradise, which the great revolutions of history had till then scarcely touched, there lived a population in perfect harmony with the country itself, active, honest, joyous, and tender-hearted. The Lake of Tiberias is one of the best supplied with fish of any in the world.[1] Very productive fisheries were established, especially at Bethsaida, and at Capernaum, and had produced a certain degree of wealth. These families of fishermen formed a gentle and peaceable society, extending
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Conflict with Evil
The Kingdom of God Will Have to Fight for Its Advance The great objective is the Kingdom of God. In realizing the Reign of God on earth three recalcitrant forces have to be brought into obedience to God's law: the desire for power, the love of property, and unsocial religion. We have studied Christ's thought concerning these in the foregoing chapters. The advance of the Kingdom of God is not simply a process of social education, but a conflict with hostile forces which resist, neutralize, and defy
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus

The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
Jordan is measured at one hundred and twenty furlongs, from the lake of Samochonitis to that of Gennesaret. That lake, in the Old Testament, is 'The sea of Chinnereth,' Numbers 34:11, &c. In the Targumists, 'The sea of Genesar'; sometimes, 'of Genesor'; sometimes, 'of Ginosar': it is the same also in the Talmudists, but most frequently 'The sea of Tiberiah.' Both names are used by the evangelists; 'the lake of Gennesaret,' Luke 5:1; 'the sea of Tiberias,' John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Peter's Repentance
"And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly" (Luke 22:61, 62). That was the turning-point in the history of Peter. Christ had said to him: "Thou canst not follow me now" (John 13:36). Peter was not in a fit state to follow Christ, because he had not been brought to an end of himself; he did not know himself, and he therefore could not follow
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

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