But Peter was unmindful now of boats or lading. This miracle, above any other he had ever witnessed, was to him a manifestation of divine power. In Jesus he saw One who held all nature under His control. The presence of divinity revealed his own unholiness. Love for his Master, shame for his own unbelief, gratitude for the condescension of Christ, above all, the sense of his uncleanness in the presence of infinite purity, overwhelmed him. While his companions were securing the contents of the net, Peter fell at the Saviour's feet, exclaiming, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord."

Men Peter tænkte hverken på både eller ladning. Dette eder, som overgik alt, hvad han tidligere havde været vidne til, var for ham en stadfæstelse af guddommelig magt. Han så i Jesus den, som var herre over hele naturen. Guddommens tilstedeværelse åbenbarede hans egen syndighed. Kærlighed til Mesteren, skamfuldhed over sin egen vantro, taknemmelighed for Kristi overbærenhed og frem for alt: følelsen af sin egen urenhed i den grænseløse renheds nærværelse virkede overvældende på ham. Medens hans kammerater bragte garnets indhold i sikkerhed, kastede Peter sig ned for Jesu fødder og udbrød: "Gå bort fra mig, Herre, thi jeg er en syndig mand!"