Luke 5:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

NIV: So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

NASB: so they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, to the point that they were sinking.

CSB: So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

NLT: A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

KJV: And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

NKJV: So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

Minutes before, Jesus was talking to a crowd so great He had to jump into a boat and push off from shore to get some room. Now, thanks to His instruction, Peter and Andrew are overwhelmed by such a large catch of fish that their nets are starting to break. They call their partners, James and John (Luke 5:10), but the weight threatens to sink both boats.

Peter responds immediately with humble and reverent fear. He learned from his brother Andrew that John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Messiah (John 1:35–42). This may be why they agreed to follow Jesus' command to try fishing again after a fruitless night. Having the Messiah take an interest in his profession and bless him in such a way makes Peter understand this is personal and very serious (Luke 5:8). Rabbis didn't focus on fishermen. Why would the savior of the Jews, promised by the prophets of old who heard directly from God, care about uneducated tradesmen?

Jesus doesn't tell Peter he's wrong, but He does tell him not to be afraid. He ties in the crowd and the fish. If Peter and the others follow Him and follow His instructions, they will catch a crowd of people for God's kingdom just as they caught the fish.

Luke 5:1–11 records Jesus' first call to specific disciples and the importance of humility for His followers. Andrew and Peter met Jesus before (John 1:35–42) and likely know of Jesus' power and authority (Luke 4:31–44). When Jesus uses that power to directly bless the fishermen, Peter humbly acknowledges his unworthiness. Peter, Andrew, James, and John leave everything to follow Jesus. Luke continues by showing the importance of cleanness, forgiveness in response to faith, and repentance. Matthew 4:18–22 and Mark 1:16–20 also record Jesus' call to the four fishermen but not the fishing; John 21 provides a parallel scene after Jesus' resurrection.

Luke 5 continues Jesus' Galilean Ministry (Luke 4:14—9:50). The passage alternates calls to discipleship with miracles and teachings which demonstrate what discipleship entails. Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, and their business partners, James and John, to follow Him and make more disciples. Then Jesus makes a man with leprosy ceremonially clean. He forgives the sins of a paralytic. After He calls Levi to follow Him, Jesus celebrates instead of fasting. This draws critical questions from the crowd. The religious leaders consider Jesus' actions blasphemous. His message of forgiveness, faith, and repentance cannot be contained by their tradition.

Jesus has already proved He can expel demons, heal ailments, and reveal the kingdom of God (Luke 4:31–44). In this chapter, He begins to separate His followers from His detractors. This begins with calling the first five disciples and emphasizing faith and repentance over religious tradition. He will drive home the point by treating the Sabbath as a blessing rather than a burden (Luke 6:1–11). After formally inviting the Twelve to follow Him, Jesus will explain to a crowd what discipleship looks like and invite them to build their lives on Him (Luke 6:12–49). In chapter 7, Jesus champions Gentiles and the marginalized.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.