---
title: "Clarke"
description: "Verse Luke 5:1. The people pressed upon him — There was a glorious prospect of a plentiful harvest, but how few of these blades came to full corn in the e"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/clarkes-commentary/luke/5"
---

Verse [Luke 5:1](../../../kjv/luke/5/1). ***The people pressed upon him*** — There was a glorious prospect of a plentiful harvest, but how few of these *blades* came to *full corn in the ear*! To hear with *diligence* and *affection* is well; but a preacher of the Gospel may expect that, out of crowds of hearers, only a few, comparatively, will fully receive the truth, and hold out to the end.
***To hear the word of God*** — Του λογον του Θεου, *The doctrine of* *God*, or, *the heavenly doctrine*.
***The lake of Gennesaret*** — Called also the *sea of Galilee*, [Matthew 4:18](../../../kjv/matthew/4/18), and [Mark 1:16](../../../kjv/mark/1/16); and the *sea of Tiberias*, [John 6:1](../../../kjv/john/6/1). It was, according to *Josephus*, forty furlongs in breadth, and one hundred and forty in length. No synagogue could have contained the multitudes who attended our Lord's ministry; and therefore he was obliged to preach in the open air. But this also some of the most eminent rabbins were in the habit of doing; though among some of their brethren it was not deemed reputable.

Verse [Luke 5:2](../../../kjv/luke/5/2). ***Two ships*** — δυο πλοια, *Two vessels*, It is highly improper to term these *ships*. They appear to have been only such *small boats* as are used to manage nets on flat smooth beaches: one end of the net is attached to the shore; the fishermen row out, and drop the net as they go, making a kind of semicircle from the shore; they return, and bring the rope attached to the other end with them, and then the net is hauled on shore; and, as it was sunk with weights to the bottom, and floated with corks at the top, all the fish in that compass were included, and drawn to shore.

Verse [Luke 5:3](../../../kjv/luke/5/3). ***And taught - out of the ship.*** — They pressed so much upon him on the land, through their eagerness to hear the doctrine of life, that he could not conveniently speak to them, and so was obliged to get into one of the boats; and, having pushed a little out from the land, he taught them. The *smooth still* water of the lake must have served excellently to *convey the sounds* to those who stood on the shore;

Verse [Luke 5:5](../../../kjv/luke/5/5). ***Simon - said - Master*** — επιστατα. This is the first place where this word occurs; it is used by none of the inspired penmen but Luke, and he applies it only to our blessed Lord. It properly signifies a *prefect*, or one who is *set over* certain affairs or persons: it is used also for an instructer, or teacher. Peter considered Christ, from what he had heard, as *teacher* of a Divine doctrine, and as having *authority* to command, c. He seems to comprise *both ideas* in this appellation he listened attentively to his *teaching*, and readily *obeyed* his *orders*. To hear attentively, and obey cheerfully, are duties we owe, not only to the sovereign *Master* of the world, but also to ourselves. No man ever took Jesus profitably for his *teacher*, who did not at the same time receive him as *his Lord*.
***We have toiled all the night*** — They had cast the net several times in the course of the night, and drew it to shore without success, and were now greatly disheartened. I have seen several laborious draughts of this kind made without fruit. All labour must be fruitless where the blessing of God is not; but especially that of the ministry. It is the presence and influence of Christ, in a congregation, that cause souls to be gathered unto himself: without these, whatever the preacher's eloquence or abilities may be, all will be *night*, and *fruitless labour*.
***At thy word I will let down the net.*** — He who assumes the character of a *fisher of men*, under any authority that does not proceed from Christ, is sure to catch *nothing*; but he who labours by the *order* and under the *direction* of the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls, cannot labour in vain.

Verse [Luke 5:6](../../../kjv/luke/5/6). ***Their net brake.*** — Or, *began to break*, διερρηγνυτο, or, was *likely* to be *broken*. Had it *broke*, as our version states, they could have caught no fish. Grammarians give the following rule concerning words of this kind. *Verba completiva* *inchoative intelligenda*. Verbs which signify the accomplishment of a thing, are often to be understood as only signifying the *beginning* of that accomplishment. *Raphelius* gives some very pertinent examples of this out of *Herodotus*.

Verse [Luke 5:7](../../../kjv/luke/5/7). ***They beckoned unto their partners*** — Had not these been called in to assist, the net must have been *broken*, and all the fish lost. What a pity there should be such envious separation among the different sects that profess to believe in Christ Jesus! Did they *help each other* in the spirit of Christian fellowship, more souls would be brought to the knowledge of the truth. Some will rather leave souls to perish than admit of *partners* in the sacred work. It is an intolerable pride to think nothing well done but what we do ourselves; and a diabolic envy to be afraid lest others should be more successful than we are.
***They - filled both the ships*** — Both the boats had as many as they could carry, and were so heavily laden that they were ready to sink. As one justly observes, "There are fish plenty to be taken, were there skilful *hands* to take, and *vessels* to contain them. Many are disputing about the *size, capacity*, and *goodness* of their *nets* and their *vessels*, while the fish are permitted to make their escape." Did the faithful fishers in both the vessels in these lands (the *established Church*, and the various branches of the *dissenting interest*) join heartily together, the nations might be converted to God; but, while the ridiculous disputes *for* and *against* particular *forms* last, there can be no unity. Were men as zealous to *catch souls*, as they are to support their particular *creeds*, and *forms* of worship, the state of Christianity would be more flourishing than it is at present. But the wall of separation is continually strengthened, each party fortifying it on *his own* side.

Verse [Luke 5:8](../../../kjv/luke/5/8). ***Depart from me; for I am a sinful man*** — εξελθε απ εμου, *Go out from* me, i.e. from my boat. Peter was fully convinced that this draught of fish was a miraculous one; and that God himself had particularly interfered in this matter, whose presence and power he reverenced in the person of Jesus. But as he felt himself a *sinner*, he was afraid the Divine purity of Christ could not possibly endure him; therefore he wished for a separation from that power, which he was afraid might break forth and consume him. It seems to have been a received *maxim* among the Jews, that whoever had seen a particular manifestation of God should speedily die. Hence *Jacob* seemed astonished that *his life* should have *been* *preserved*, when *he had seen God face to face*, [Genesis 32:30](../../../kjv/genesis/32/30). So *the nobles of Israel saw God*, and yet *did eat and drink*; for *on* *them he had laid not his hand*, i.e. to destroy them, though it appears to have been expected by them, in consequence of this discovery which he made of himself. See [Exodus 24:10-11](../../../kjv/exodus/24/10-11), and the notes there. This supposition of the Jews seems to have been founded on the authority of God himself, [Exodus 33:20](../../../kjv/exodus/33/20): *There shall no man see my FACE and LIVE*. So Moses, [Deuteronomy 5:26](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/5/26): *Who is there of all flesh that hath heard the voice of the* *living God, speaking out of the midst of the fire as we have*, and *LIVED*? So *Gideon* expected to be immediately slain, because he had *seen an angel of the Lord*, and a *miracle* performed by him. See [Judges 6:21-23](../../../kjv/judges/6/21-23). So likewise *Manoah* and his wife, [Judges 13:22](../../../kjv/judges/13/22): *We shall surely DIE, for we have SEEN GOD*. These different passages sufficiently show in what sense these words of Peter are to be understood.

Verse [Luke 5:10](../../../kjv/luke/5/10). ***Thou shalt catch men.*** — ανθρωπους εση ζωγρων, *Thou* *shalt catch men alive*; this is the proper signification of the word. *Fear not*: these discoveries of God tend to *life*, not to *death*; and ye shall become the instruments of *life* and *salvation* to a lost world. *These* fish are taken to be *killed* and fed on; but those who are converted under your ministry shall be preserved unto *eternal life*. [Matthew 4:18](../../../kjv/matthew/4/18), &c., where this subject is considered more at large.

Verse [Luke 5:11](../../../kjv/luke/5/11). ***They forsook all, and followed him.*** — God expects this from every person, and especially from those in whose *hearts*, or in whose *behalf*, he has wrought a miracle of *grace* or of *providence*. Jesus intended to call Peter, James, and John, to become his disciples; and that they might see the propriety and importance of the call, he: -
1st. TEACHES in their presence, that they may *know* his *doctrine*.
2dly. He WORKS a MIRACLE before their eyes, that they might see and be convinced of his *power*.
3dly. He CALLS them to go forth with *this doctrine*, and through *this power*, that they might *teach* the ignorant, and be *successful* in their work.

Verse [Luke 5:12](../../../kjv/luke/5/12). ***A certain city*** — This was some city of Galilee; probably *Chorazin* or *Bethsaida*.
***A man full of leprosy*** — See this *disease*, and the *cure*, largely explained on [Matthew 8:2-4](../../../kjv/matthew/8/2-4); and see it particularly applied to the use of public preaching, [Mark 1:40](../../../kjv/mark/1/40), &c. See also the notes on [Leviticus 13](../../../kjv/leviticus/13), and [Leviticus 14](../../../kjv/leviticus/14).[Leviticus 13:1](../../../kjv/leviticus/13/1)ff, [Leviticus 14:1](../../../kjv/leviticus/14/1)ff

Verse [Luke 5:14](../../../kjv/luke/5/14). ***And offer for thy cleansing*** — A Hindoo, after recovering from *sickness*, presents the *offerings* he had *vowed* when in *distress*, as a goat, sweetmeats, milk, or any thing directed by the Shaster. All nations agreed in these gratitude-offerings for benefits received from the object of their worship.

Verse [Luke 5:16](../../../kjv/luke/5/16). ***And he withdrew himself into the wilderness*** — Or rather, *He frequently withdrew into the desert*. This I believe to be the import of the original words, ην υποχωρων. He made it a frequent custom to withdraw from the multitudes for a time, and pray, teaching hereby the ministers of the Gospel that they are to receive fresh supplies of *light* and *power* from God by prayer, that they may be the more successful in their work; and that they ought to seek frequent opportunities of being in private with *God* and their *books*. A man can give nothing unless he first *receive* it; and no man can be successful in the ministry who does not constantly depend upon God, for the excellence of the power is all from him. Why is there so *much* preaching, and so *little* good done? Is it not because the preachers *mix* too much with the *world, keep* too long in the *crowd*, and are so *seldom* in private with *God*? Reader! Art thou a *herald* for the Lord of hosts? Make full proof of thy ministry! Let it never be said of thee, "He forsook all to follow Christ, and to preach his Gospel, but there was little or no fruit of his labour; for he ceased to be a *man of prayer*, and got into the *spirit* of the *world*." Alas! alas! is this luminous *star*, that was once *held* in the *right hand of Jesus*, fallen from the firmament of *heaven, down* to the EARTH!

Verse [Luke 5:17](../../../kjv/luke/5/17). ***On a certain day*** — This was when he was at Capernaum. See [Mark 2:1](../../../kjv/mark/2/1).
***The power of the Lord*** — Δυναμις Κυριου The *mighty* or *miraculous* power of the Lord, i.e. of Jesus, was there to heal them - as many as were diseased either in body or soul. Where the *teaching* of *Christ* is, there also is the *power* of Christ to *redeem* and *save*.

Verse [Luke 5:18](../../../kjv/luke/5/18). ***A man - taken with a palsy*** — See this case described on [Matthew 9:1](../../../kjv/matthew/9/1), &c., and [Mark 2:1](../../../kjv/mark/2/1), &c.

Verse [Luke 5:19](../../../kjv/luke/5/19). ***Went upon the housetop*** — [Matthew 24:17](../../../kjv/matthew/24/17); [Matthew 24:17](../../../kjv/matthew/24/17).

Verse [Luke 5:21](../../../kjv/luke/5/21). ***Who can forgive sins, but God alone?*** — If Jesus were not God, he could not forgive sins; and his arrogating this authority would have been blasphemy against God, in the most proper sense of the word. That these scribes and Pharisees might have the fullest proof of his Godhead, he works in their presence three miracles, which from their nature could only be effected by an *omniscient* and *omnipotent* Being. The miracles are:
1. The remission of the poor man's sins.
2. The discernment of the secret thoughts of the scribes.
3. The restoration of the paralytic in an instant to perfect soundness.
See note on Mt 9:5; Mt 9:6.

Verse 26. ***Strange things*** — παραδοξα, *paradoxes*. A paradox is something that appears *false* and *absurd*, but is not *really* so: or, something *contrary* to the *commonly received opinion*. We have seen *wonders* wrought which seem *impossible*; and we should conclude them to be *tricks* and *illusions*, were it not for the indisputable evidence we have of their *reality*.

Verse 27. ***Levi*** — See on [Matthew 9:9](../../../kjv/matthew/9/9); [Mark 2:14](../../../kjv/mark/2/14).

Verse 28. ***And he left all*** — καταλιπων - *completely abandoning* his office, and every thing connected with it. He who wishes to preach the Gospel, like the disciples of Christ, must have no earthly entanglement. If he have, his whole labour will be marred by it. The concerns of his own soul, and those of the multitudes to whom he preaches, are sufficient to engross all his attention, and to employ all his powers.

Verse 29. ***A great feast*** — δοχην μεγαλην, *A splendid* *entertainment*. The word refers more properly to the *number* of the *guests*, and the manner in which they were *received*, than to the *quality* or *quantity* of the *fare*. A great number of his friends and acquaintance was collected on the occasion, that they might be convinced of the propriety of the change he had made, when they had the opportunity of seeing and hearing his heavenly teacher.

Verse [Luke 5:30](../../../kjv/luke/5/30). ***Why do ye eat and drink***, c.] See what passed at this entertainment considered at large on [Matthew 9:10-17](../../../kjv/matthew/9/10-17) [Mark 2:15-22](../../../kjv/mark/2/15-22).

Verse [Luke 5:37](../../../kjv/luke/5/37). ***The new wine will burst the bottles*** — These old bottles would not be able to stand the fermentation of the new wine, as the old sewing would be apt to give way. It is scarcely necessary to remark, that the eastern bottles are made of *skins*; generally those of *goats*.

Verse [Luke 5:39](../../../kjv/luke/5/39). ***The old is better.*** — χρηστοτερος - Is more *agreeable* to the *taste* or *palate*. *Herodotus*, the scholiast on *Aristophanes,* and *Homer*, use the word in this sense. See *Raphelius*. The *old* *wine*, among the rabbins, was *the wine of three leaves*; that is, wine three years old; because, from the time that the vine had produced that wine, it had put forth its leaves three times. See *Lightfoot*.
1. THE miraculous draught of fishes - the cleansing of the leper-the healing of the paralytic person - the calling of Levi - and the parable of the old and new bottles, and the old and new wine - all related in this chapter, make it not only very entertaining, but highly instructive. There are few chapters in the New Testament from which a preacher of the Gospel can derive more lessons of instruction; and the reader would naturally expect a more particular explanation of its several parts, had not this been anticipated in the notes and observations on [Matthew 9](../../../kjv/matthew/9), [Matthew 9:1](../../../kjv/matthew/9/1)ff to which chapter it will be well to refer.
2. The conduct as well as the preaching of our Lord is highly edifying. His *manner* of teaching made every thing he spoke interesting and impressive. He had many prejudices to remove, and he used admirable address in order to meet and take them out of the way. There is as much to be observed in the *manner* of speaking the truth, as in the *truth* itself, in order to make it effectual to the salvation of them who hear it. A harsh, unfeeling method of preaching the *promises* of the Gospel, and a smiling manner of producing the *terrors of the Lord*, are equally reprehensible. Some preachers are always severe and magisterial: others are always mild and insinuating: neither of these can do God's work; and it would take *two* such to make *one* PREACHER.

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