The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 1 — Section 133

II. THE CALT,. In St. John we see that these men already knew Christ (John i. -10-42); but they had not yet learnt that he would wish them to be his constant compimions. I. The essential character of the call. (1) From Christ. He is not willing to be alone in his great work:. He seeks assochtes. (2) To individual men. All are invited t.o his grace (John vii. 37). But separate men are called to separate spheres of work. How, then, shall we recognize our call when it comes, seeing that Christ is no longer with us in the flesh? By the opening of a door, by the conscious- ness of a gift, hy the conviction of conscience. 2. The twofold contents of the call. (l) To follow Christ. This comes first. Only they can serve Christ who follow him. We must first be Christians if we would do Christian work. The most Christ-like are the best fishers of men. (2) To win men. This is better than catching fish in the lake. Thus Christ promotes his disciples. Note the practical aim-so intelliaible in Christ's manner of presenting it to fishermen. Much spiritual energy is dissip;ted by ,a.,,crueness. We beat the air for want of an object. But true Christian work is practical. It is to fill the gospel net. ill. THE RESPONSE. 1. Its promptness. "Straightway," etc. There is no excuse for delay when Chiist calls. 'l'he fisherman may say he is not fit to be an apostle; but not he but Christ is the Judge of hie fitness. There is no time for delay. The har,est is plenteous, and the labourers are few. 2. Its absoluteness. They left all. Christ does not call all his people to abandon their secular occupations, but when such a call comes, there is no excuse for parrying it. The obedience must be unconditional. 3. Its action. They did not merely assent verbally. They followed Christ. Our Christianity is seen, not in the creeds we profess, but in the way in which we go.- W. F. A. Vers. 23-25.-The Galilman ministry. Three things are here described in regard to the Galil.rean ministry of our Lord-the work of Christ; the popular fame; and the consequent conduct of the people. I. THE WORK OF CHRIST. 1. It was itinerant. John the Baptist stayed in the wilderness, while the people flocked to him ; Jesus went about among the people, seeking them. Thus we see his sociability, his graciousness of spirit, and his desire to include many in the blessings he brought. 2. It was not revolutionary. Christ preached in the synagogues. He was not yet excommunicated, and he used his privilege of access to the public assemblies of the Jews in order to link on his new teaching with the old truth and piety of Israel. 3. It was instructive. "Teaching." Christ based his synagogue instructions in the exposition of Scripture (Lnke iv. 16- 21). 4. It was declaratory. "Preaching." This was heralding the advent of the kingdom, and it seems to have been clone in the open air-in streets and market- places and by the seashore. Christ desires all to hear the call of his gospel. 5. It was he,a,ling. First came the teaching and preaching; for these were most important. Bot Christ was both merciful and oowerful. He had compassion on sickness, and he had power to cure it. His gospel is for this world as well as fur the next, fur physicn.1 amelin"'Rtion as well as for spiritual salvation. IL HIS POPULAR FAME. 1. Its early origin. In Galilee Christ immedin.tely rises into popularity. His very aspect was gracious; hie words were beyond comparison with any other teaching; !,is miracles were as beneficent as wonderful. It is not surprising that he was popular. All who know bis grace and goodness have reason to adore and Jove him. 2. Its wide circulation. It passed beyond the borderR of Galike, and through all Syria. It is even now spreading through the world. Yet it is strange that nearly two thousand years should have pa~sed before the greater part of mankind has even heard of bis name. That name is not the private properl:y of the select .few. He has come to be the Saviour of the world. III. THE CONDUCT OF THE PEOPLE. The fame of Christ was not lost on those who heard it. It is useless merely to know of Christ, bis work, and his gospel. '!'he knowledge is uFeful just in proportion as it leads to action. Now, the action of the multitudes who were affected by the renown of Christ was twofold: 1. Bringing the nwiy to Christ. It is one of the marvellous effects of Christ's work in the hearts of men that be induces them to bring others to him. 'l'he compassion of Christ t;preads, through those who know him, out to the needy. A true Christian must be an on. Iv. 1-26.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. 123