Definition and Role in Biblical Context

In biblical times, fishers, or fishermen, played a significant role in the daily life and economy of the regions surrounding the Sea of Galilee, the Mediterranean Sea, and other bodies of water in the ancient Near East. Fishing was a common occupation, providing sustenance and trade goods for local communities. The term "fisher" is used in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing spiritual truths and divine calling.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament makes several references to fishers and fishing, often in a metaphorical sense. In Jeremiah 16:16, God declares, "Behold, I will send for many fishermen, declares the LORD, and they will catch them." Here, the imagery of fishers is used to describe God's judgment and the gathering of people for His purposes. Similarly, in Ezekiel 47:10, the prophet envisions a time of restoration: "Fishermen will stand by the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea."

New Testament Significance

The New Testament elevates the role of fishers, particularly through the calling of Jesus' disciples. Several of Jesus' closest followers, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John, were fishermen by trade. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus calls Peter and Andrew with the words, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." This pivotal moment transforms the occupation of fishing into a metaphor for evangelism and discipleship, emphasizing the mission to gather souls for the Kingdom of God.

The miraculous catch of fish, as recorded in Luke 5:4-7, further underscores the spiritual significance of fishing. Jesus instructs Simon Peter to "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch." The resulting abundance of fish symbolizes the fruitful ministry that would follow obedience to Christ's command.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

Fishers in the Bible often symbolize the call to evangelism and the spread of the Gospel. The act of fishing requires patience, skill, and perseverance, qualities that are essential for those who seek to share the message of Christ. The transformation from literal fishers to "fishers of men" illustrates the profound change that occurs when individuals respond to Jesus' call.

The imagery of fishing also highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel message. Just as fishers cast their nets wide to gather a diverse catch, so too are believers called to reach out to all people, regardless of background or status, with the love and truth of Christ.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the first-century Mediterranean world, fishing was a labor-intensive and often precarious occupation. Fishermen used various methods, including nets, lines, and traps, to catch fish. The Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake, was particularly known for its abundant fish, making it a central hub for fishing activity. The skills and tools of the trade were passed down through generations, and fishing communities were tightly knit, often centered around family units.

Conclusion

The role of fishers in the Bible extends beyond their economic and social contributions to embody profound spiritual truths. Through the calling of the disciples and the metaphor of fishing, Scripture reveals the transformative power of Christ's invitation to follow Him and participate in the mission of drawing others into the Kingdom of God.FISHER'S COAT

kot: This expression is found in John 21:7 where the Revised Version (British and American) and the American Standard Revised Version have "coat." John here, after representing Peter as "naked" (gumnos), pictures him as girding on his "coat" (ependutes), literally, "upper garment," and not at all specifically a "fisher's coat."

See DRESS.

1903. ependutes -- an outer tunic
... fisher's coat. From ependuomai; a wrapper, ie Outer garment -- fisher's coat. see
GREEK ependuomai. (ependuten) -- 1 Occurrence. 1902, 1903. ependutes. 1904 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1903.htm - 6k4365. mikmereth -- a net, fishing net
... drag, net Or mikmoreth {mik-mo'-reth}; feminine of makmar; a (fisher's) net -- drag,
net. see HEBREW makmar. 4364b, 4365. mikmereth. 4365a . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/4365.htm - 5k

Humility
... country life, busy and gay, healthy and civilized likewise"and in the midst of it,
the Maker of all heaven and earth sitting in a poor fisher's boat, and ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xviii humility.htm

Conclusion.
... Peter, springing up in the boat, and snatching his fisher's coat, and girding it
round him, and dashing into the water, seemed to Jesus a picture of impetuous ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxvi conclusion.htm

On the Way to Thebes
... with the inordinate apprehension of the fugitive, lurked in the shadows, dashed
across open spaces and imagined in every drifting, drowsy fisher's raft a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxi on the way.htm

Fifth Tractate. Problems of the Soul (3). [Also Entitled "On Sight ...
... If it is, the impression will be of quite another order: the rod between the fisher's
hand and the torpedo fish is not affected in the same way as the hand ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/fifth tractate problems of the.htm

The Lord's Last Days with his Disciples.
... "It is the Lord!". Peter did not wait to reply, but tying his fisher's coat around
him he threw himself into the Lake to swim towards His Master on the shore. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xlvi the lords last.htm

Fear and Faith
... '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 21:7. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/fear and faith.htm

Rahab
... Peter 'girt his fisher's coat to him,' and lost his fear in the sunshine of Christ's
face, as a rainbow trembles out of a thunder-cloud when touched by sunbeams ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/rahab.htm

Celsus, after what Has Been Said, Goes on as Follows...
... Bampton Lectures, pp. 211-223, 537-547. See also Fisher's Beginnings of
Christianity, p. 147 (1877). S.]. [4522] Cf. Genesis 2:24. ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlvii celsus after what.htm

The Westminster Catechisms.
... Edinb.1737; 2d ed. Glasgow, 1764. Fisher's Catechism: The Westminster Assembly's
Shorter Catechism Explained, by way of question and answer. ...
/.../ 96 the westminster catechisms.htm

The Yoke of Christ.
... Peter had girt his fisher's coat unto him, and cast himself into the sea; "but when
thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon viii the yoke of.htm

Fisher's (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia FISHER'S COAT. kot: This expression ... DRESS.
Multi-Version Concordance Fisher's (1 Occurrence). John 21 ...
/f/fisher's.htm - 7k

Coat (54 Occurrences)
... The "fisher's coat" of John 21:7 was obviously an outer garment or cloak, as was
also the "coat" made by Hannah for Samuel (1 Samuel 2:19). ...FISHER'S COAT. ...
/c/coat.htm - 25k

Fishers (8 Occurrences)

/f/fishers.htm - 8k

Fishes (32 Occurrences)

/f/fishes.htm - 16k

Girt (13 Occurrences)
... Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto
him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/g/girt.htm - 10k

Hook (10 Occurrences)
... AV's "angle." Similarly in Amos 4:2, tsinnah, and ciroth dughah, appear to be synonyms
for "fishhook," although the former may mean the barb of a fisher's spear ...
/h/hook.htm - 15k

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