Luke 5:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”

NIV: When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, 'Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!'

NASB: But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, 'Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!'

CSB: When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus's knees and said, "Go away from me, because I'm a sinful man, Lord! "

NLT: When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, 'Oh, Lord, please leave me — I’m such a sinful man.'

KJV: When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

NKJV: When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

Peter knew that John the Baptist—the first prophet of God since Malachi, 400 years before—identified Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah who would rescue the Jews (John 1:35–42). When Jesus felt too crowded on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Peter willingly took Jesus onto his boat. They cast off from shore so people could better hear Christ's teaching. And when Jesus told Peter and his brother to go into the deeper part of the lake, they did so, despite the fact their night had been fruitless and it was the wrong time of day to fish in deep water (Luke 5:1–5).

It's not clear what the fishermen expected, but clearly they didn't anticipate so many fish that two cooperating boats were at risk of sinking (Luke 5:6–7).

Peter's attitude toward Jesus immediately transitions from respect for a rabbi to fear of a prophet. The fish, the breaking nets, and the sinking ship are forgotten. Peter doesn't fully understand who Jesus is, and he won't until after the resurrection. He calls Jesus "Lord" because of Jesus' relationship to God as an agent of His authority. He's not necessarily grasping every nuance of Jesus' role as the Christ, just yet. But Peter knows for sure he does not deserve to be in Jesus' presence.

That's exactly what Jesus is looking for in a disciple: someone who knows they don't "deserve" status or power. Later, Jesus will tell the Pharisees, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:31–32). This sinful man will be such an important part of Jesus' mission that He gives him the nickname Peter—the rock (John 1:42).

Peter's humble acknowledgment of his unworthiness in the presence of Jesus is the first of several attributes Luke illuminates as necessary for discipleship. When Jesus heals a man's leprosy, He grants ceremonial cleanness necessary to worship God. When Jesus heals the paralytic, Luke points out the faith of the paralytic and the forgiveness of his sins. And when Jesus calls Levi the tax collector to follow, Luke is sure to focus the story on repentance. Luke's conclusion is that being in the presence of Jesus and experiencing His new way of life is worthy of celebration (Luke 5:12–39).

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.