20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

Other Translations of Matthew 4:20

King James Version

20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

English Standard Version

20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

The Message

20 They didn't ask questions, but simply dropped their nets and followed.

New King James Version

20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

New Living Translation

20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 4:20

Commentary on Matthew 4:18-22

(Read Matthew 4:18-22)

When Christ began to preach, he began to gather disciples, who should be hearers, and afterwards preachers of his doctrine, who should be witnesses of his miracles, and afterwards testify concerning them. He went not to Herod's court, not to Jerusalem, among the chief priests and the elders, but to the sea of Galilee, among the fishermen. The same power which called Peter and Andrew, could have wrought upon Annas and Caiaphas, for with God nothing is impossible. But Christ chooses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. Diligence in an honest calling is pleasing to Christ, and it is no hinderance to a holy life. Idle people are more open to the temptations of Satan than to the calls of God. It is a happy and hopeful thing to see children careful of their parents, and dutiful. When Christ comes, it is good to be found doing. Am I in Christ? is a very needful question to ask ourselves; and, next to that, Am I in my calling? They had followed Christ before, as common disciples, John 1:37; now they must leave their calling. Those who would follow Christ aright, must, at his command, leave all things to follow him, must be ready to part with them. This instance of the power of the Lord Jesus encourages us to depend upon his grace. He speaks, and it is done.