Topical Encyclopedia The Apostle John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, is intricately connected to two miraculous events involving the catching of fish, both of which are significant in the New Testament narrative. These events are recorded in the Gospels and highlight the divine authority of Jesus, as well as the calling and mission of His disciples.The First Catch of Fish The first miraculous catch of fish is documented in the Gospel of Luke. This event occurs early in Jesus' ministry, as He begins to gather His disciples. According to Luke 5:1-11, Jesus was teaching by the Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee) when He saw two boats at the water's edge. The fishermen, including Simon Peter, were washing their nets after a fruitless night of fishing. Jesus entered Simon's boat and taught the crowds from there. After speaking, He instructed Simon, "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch" (Luke 5:4). Despite their skepticism, having caught nothing all night, Simon obeyed Jesus' command. The result was a miraculous catch so large that their nets began to tear, and they had to signal their partners in the other boat to come and help. Both boats were filled to the point of sinking. Witnessing this, Simon Peter fell at Jesus' knees, acknowledging his own sinfulness. Jesus responded, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men" (Luke 5:10). This event marked the calling of Peter, James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, to become fishers of men, leaving everything to follow Jesus. The Second Catch of Fish The second miraculous catch of fish is recorded in the Gospel of John, occurring after Jesus' resurrection. In John 21:1-14, the disciples, including Peter and John, were again by the Sea of Tiberias (another name for the Sea of Galilee). They had returned to fishing, but once more, they caught nothing throughout the night. At dawn, Jesus stood on the shore, though the disciples did not recognize Him initially. He called out to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" When they answered no, He instructed, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some" (John 21:5-6). Obeying His directive, they caught such a large number of fish that they were unable to haul the net in. It was at this moment that John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, recognized Him and said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" (John 21:7). Peter, in his eagerness, jumped into the water to reach Jesus. The other disciples followed in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. Upon reaching the shore, they found a charcoal fire with fish and bread prepared by Jesus, who invited them to have breakfast. The net, despite being full with 153 large fish, was not torn, symbolizing the abundance and completeness of the mission Jesus entrusted to His disciples. Significance These two miraculous catches of fish underscore the authority of Jesus over creation and His ability to provide abundantly. They also serve as metaphors for the disciples' future mission to spread the Gospel and "catch" souls for the Kingdom of God. The first catch signifies the initial call to discipleship, while the second, post-resurrection event reaffirms the disciples' mission and the sustaining presence of the risen Christ. John's presence in both events highlights his role as a key witness to Jesus' ministry and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Nave's Topical Index Luke 5:10And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, Fear not; from now on you shall catch men. Nave's Topical Index John 21:1-7 Library The Two Effects of the Gospel 'It is the Lord!' The Second Commandment Excerpts of Theodotus; Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times A Canticle of Love part i part ii Resources Who was John the Baptist in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Gospel of John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What does John 3:16 mean? | GotQuestions.org John: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics John: A Relative of Annas the High Priest John: Affected Probably by the Doctrines of the Stoics John: Herod Antipas Falsely Supposes Jesus to Be John: His Influence Upon the Public Mind John: His Ministry not Attested by Miracles John: Reproves Herod Antipas on Account of his Incest; Herod Imprisons Him, and Beheads Him John: Sends Two Disciples to Jesus John: Teaches his Disciples to Fast John: Teaches his Disciples to Pray John: Testifies to the Messiahship of Jesus John: The Apostle is Intrusted With the Care of Mary, Mother of Jesus John: The Apostle is Present With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane John: The Apostle: A Pillar of the Ekklesia (Body of Christ) John: The Apostle: Civil Ambitions of John: The Apostle: Imprisoned by the Rulers of the Jews John: The Apostle: Intimately Associated With Jesus John: The Apostle: Intolerance of John: The Apostle: Lives in Jerusalem John: The Apostle: Prepares the Passover Meal John: The Apostle: Present at the Crucifixion John: The Apostle: Present at the Gravesite of Jesus John: The Apostle: Present at the Trial of Jesus Which Took Place in Front of the High Priest John: The Apostle: Present when Jesus Revealed Himself at the Lake Galilee John: The Apostle: Present With Peter in the Temple Courtyard John: The Apostle: Prophecy Concerning John: The Apostle: Sent by the Jerusalem Congregation With the Commission to Samaria John: The Apostle: The Epistles of John John: The Apostle: The healing of Peter's mother-in-law John: The Apostle: The raising of the daughter of Jairus John: The Apostle: The transfiguration John: The Apostle: The two catches of fish John: The Apostle: Writes his Apocalyptic Vision from Patmos Island John: The Baptist: Prophecies Concerning John: The Testimony of Jesus Concerning (See Below, Jesus Discourses Upon) Related Terms |
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