But Jesus understood the conflicting emotions of the impetuous disciple, and said to him, “Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” Similar words were afterward addressed to the three other fishermen, when they were all upon the shore. As they were busily employed in mending their nets, which had been broken by the great weight of the fish they had taken, Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately after this they left their nets and boats and followed the Saviour. These humble fishermen recognized the divine authority of Jesus, and forthwith gave up their regular occupation and left their worldly possessions in obedience to the command of their Lord. {2SP 185.1}

Men Jesus forstod de stridende følelser hos den heftige discipel og sagde til ham: "Frygt ikke! fra nu af skal du fange mennesker." (10.vers) siden efter henvendte han ligende ord til de andre disciple, da de alle stod på strandbredden. Medens de havde travlt med at bøde sine garn, som var gået i stykker på grund af den store fiskedræt, sagde Jesus til dem: "Følg mig så skal jeg gøre jer til menneskefiskere." Da forlod de straks deres garn i bådene og fulgte Frelseren. De ydmyge fiskere erkendte Jesu guddommelige myndighed, og efter den tid holdt de op med deres almindelige beskæftigelse og forlod deres jordiske ejendom for at lyde deres herres bud.