When Jesus called his apostles to be "fishers of men," he was using a powerful metaphor to describe their new mission. Here's a breakdown of what that metaphor likely meant:
* Changing Professions: These men were already skilled fishermen, familiar with the sea, boats, nets, and the habits of fish. Jesus was calling them to use those same skills and diligence, but now for a new purpose: gathering people to follow Him.
* Attracting and Gathering: Just as fishermen attract and catch fish, the apostles were to attract people to the Gospel. This involved preaching, teaching, performing miracles, and living lives that reflected Jesus' teachings.
* Bringing People to Safety/Salvation: Fishing is often seen as taking the fish from their natural environment. Here, the "sea" could symbolize the world, which in a theological sense can be a place of danger, darkness, or alienation from God. By becoming "fishers of men," the apostles would bring people out of this "sea" and into the safety and light of God's grace and salvation through faith in Jesus.
* A Gradual Process: Fishing isn't always easy or immediate. It requires patience, strategy, and perseverance. Similarly, the apostles' mission would involve a long and ongoing effort to reach people with the Gospel message.
* Working Together: Fishing is often a collaborative effort. The apostles would need to work together, supporting and encouraging one another, to effectively reach people with the Gospel.
In essence, Jesus was calling his apostles to become evangelists and missionaries. He was equipping them with a relatable image that conveyed the urgency, dedication, and skill required to share the Good News and bring people into a relationship with God.