Fisher's Coat
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The term "Fisher's Coat" is often associated with the garment worn by the Apostle Peter, also known as Simon Peter, who was a fisherman by trade before being called by Jesus to become a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). The specific reference to Peter's coat is found in the Gospel of John, where it is mentioned in the context of one of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances.

In John 21:7 , the narrative describes a miraculous catch of fish orchestrated by the risen Christ. Upon realizing that the man on the shore is Jesus, "the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, 'It is the Lord!' As soon as Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it) and jumped into the sea." The "outer garment" referred to here is often understood to be the fisher's coat, which Peter had set aside while working.

The fisher's coat, or outer garment, signifies Peter's readiness to meet the Lord with respect and reverence. In the cultural context of the time, it was customary for individuals to wear an outer garment in public or formal settings, and Peter's act of putting it on before approaching Jesus reflects his acknowledgment of the Lord's presence and his own humility.

Theologically, the fisher's coat can symbolize the transition from Peter's old life as a fisherman to his new calling as an apostle. It serves as a reminder of his initial calling by Jesus and his subsequent role in the early Church. The act of donning the coat and leaping into the sea also illustrates Peter's impulsive and passionate nature, traits that are consistently depicted throughout the Gospels.

Moreover, the fisher's coat can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian's preparation to meet Christ. Just as Peter prepared himself by putting on his garment, believers are called to clothe themselves in righteousness and readiness for the Lord's return, as emphasized in various New Testament passages (e.g., Ephesians 6:14).

In summary, the fisher's coat is a small but significant detail in the Gospel narrative that highlights Peter's character, his relationship with Jesus, and the broader themes of transformation and readiness in the Christian life.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Fisher's Coat

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.

Greek
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 - 6k
Library

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

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

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

In Galilee.
... During the work of the night he had laid off his "fisher's coat," a kind of loose
blouse, and counting it unseemly to appear before the Savior half clad, he ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/in galilee.htm

John xx. 24, 25
... 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." NT. [2596] Ver. 11. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxvii john xx 24.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... 24; when it says that Isaiah walked naked and barefoot, Isaiah 20:2, 3; and when
it says that Peter, before he girt his fisher's coat to him, was naked, John 21 ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

The Food of the World
... bread'; and our 'works shall follow us,' in that we are 'bidden to bring of the
fish that we have caught.' Then, putting off the wet fisher's coat, and leaving ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the food of the world.htm

Appearance at Sea of Galilee.
... So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his coat about him ... had taken,
one hundred and fifty and three; and John, with a fisher's memory can ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxiv appearance at sea of.htm

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