Matthew 4:17
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand--Thus did our Lord not only take up the strain, but give forth the identical summons of His honored forerunner. Our Lord sometimes speaks of the new kingdom as already come--in His own Person and ministry; but the economy of it was only "at hand" until the blood of the cross was shed, and the Spirit on the day of Pentecost opened the fountain for sin and for uncleanness to the world at large. Calling of Peter and Andrew James and John (Mat 4:18-22).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he saith unto them, follow me,.... These two brethren had been the disciples of John, as Theophylact thinks, and which seems agreeable to Joh 1:35 and though through John's pointing out Christ unto them, they had some knowledge of him, and conversation with him, yet they abode with him but for that day, Joh 1:37 and afterwards returned to their master; and upon his imprisonment, betook themselves to their former employment: from whence Christ now calls them to be his disciples, saying "follow me", or "come after me": that is, be a disciple of mine; see Luk 14:27. And to encourage them to it, makes use of this argument; "and", or "for", I "will make you fishers of men": you shall be fishers still, but in a higher sense; and in a far more noble employment, and to much better purpose. The net they were to spread and cast was the Gospel, see Mat 13:47 for Christ made them not , "fishers of the law", to use the words of Maimonides (g), but fishers of the Gospel. The sea into which they were to cast the net was first Judea, and then the whole world; the fish they were to catch were the souls of men, both among Jews and Gentiles; of whose conversion and faith they were to be the happy instruments: now none could make them fishers in this sense, or fit them for such service, and succeed them in it, but Christ; and who here promises it unto them. (g) Hilcot. Talmud. Torah, c. 1. sect. 12. so Dr. Lightfoot cites the phrase, but in Ed. Amsterd. it is , "the judgments of the law".
Matthew 4:17
Jesus Begins His Ministry
16the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”17From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Call to Repentance
By Vance Havner10K36:16RepentanceMAT 3:2MAT 4:17MRK 6:12ACT 2:38ACT 20:21ROM 13:14REV 2:5In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a water wheel in an old-fashioned mill to illustrate the importance of removing hindrances and obstacles in order for the church to operate effectively. He emphasizes the need for repentance and the removal of sin in order for the church to be successful in evangelism. The speaker also highlights the danger of trying to do things in our own strength, rather than relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. He encourages listeners to let God work through them and to abide in Him, rather than striving in their own efforts.
Whatever Happened to Repentance?
By David Wilkerson9.0K00:00RepentanceMAT 4:17MAT 23:37MRK 16:16LUK 5:32ACT 2:38ROM 2:4HEB 6:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus. He urges the congregation to come forward and confess their sins, both believers and non-believers alike. The preacher encourages everyone to be open and honest with God, confessing any hidden sins and seeking Godly sorrow in their hearts. He reminds the audience that all of heaven rejoices when even one sinner repents. The sermon concludes with a call to ask God to reveal where each individual stands in their relationship with Him.
Dr. Orr's Testimony
By J. Edwin Orr8.9K43:53TestimonyMAT 4:17MRK 1:15LUK 24:47JHN 3:16ACT 2:381JN 1:7REV 3:20In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences of revival and missionary work. They mention a time when they were in college and witnessed many conversions and dedication to the mission theme. They also talk about a revival they were a part of in New Zealand, where they saw the community being revived. The speaker then shares a disappointing experience where they were offered a salary to do missionary work but the offer fell through. They had to go back to secular employment to support their family during the Depression. The sermon also includes some humorous anecdotes about students finding a way to smoke during compulsory chapel sessions. Overall, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying dedicated to God and experiencing a close relationship with Him.
Baptismal of Fire
By Leonard Ravenhill6.3K1:25:01Baptism Of FireEXO 34:6MAT 3:2MAT 4:17LUK 3:16JHN 3:16ACT 2:37ACT 2:40In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful testimony given by a woman named Lizzy Smith. Despite her small stature, Lizzy's testimony transformed the atmosphere of the meeting and brought the presence of the Holy Spirit. The preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching with conviction and delivering the message of repentance. They contrast this with the modern approach of relying on films and entertainment to attract crowds, highlighting the need for the wind and fire of the Holy Spirit. The sermon also references biblical figures like John the Baptist and the dramatic impact of wind and fire in nature.
It's Friday but Sunday Is Coming
By Tony Campolo5.8K1:01:02MAT 4:17MAT 5:4MAT 16:24MAT 22:37MAT 25:35MRK 10:21MRK 16:15LUK 14:331JN 1:91JN 2:15This sermon emphasizes the call to repentance and radical surrender to Jesus, focusing on the need to confess sins, surrender worldly possessions, and commit to serving God wholeheartedly. It challenges listeners to become missionaries in various vocations, to love and serve others sacrificially, and to prioritize the kingdom of God above all else.
The First Word of the Gospel
By J. Edwin Orr4.1K54:02GospelMAT 3:2MAT 4:17MAT 9:13MRK 1:14MRK 6:12LUK 13:3LUK 24:46In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance in the preaching of the gospel. He refers to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4, verse 17, where Jesus began his preaching by saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." The preacher highlights the need for true repentance and a change of heart in order for someone to truly come to Christ. He warns against the danger of leading people to the Lord without emphasizing repentance, as it can lead to a superficial faith that is not truly transformative. The preacher concludes by stating that a revival or awakening can only come through a preaching of repentance, as it is the first word of the gospel.
(A Heavenly Life) 1. Seated in the Heavens
By Zac Poonen3.9K56:38HeavenMAT 4:17MAT 6:33MAT 22:37MRK 2:21LUK 9:62PHP 3:20COL 3:2In this sermon, the speaker addresses the challenges Christians face in the changing world. He emphasizes the importance of focusing our minds on godly thoughts amidst our daily tasks and responsibilities. The speaker also highlights the need to resist the temptation to judge others and instead strive to speak and think with kindness and love. He shares a personal anecdote about a driving incident to illustrate the importance of responding in a Christ-like manner. The sermon concludes by referencing the examples of Jesus and Peter, who continued preaching about the kingdom of heaven despite the challenges they faced.
Five Spiritual Vows
By A.W. Tozer3.8K47:42VowsEZK 37:4MAT 4:17LUK 5:24JHN 5:8ACT 2:37REV 1:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. Despite his long-standing discouragement, the man had to make a decision to obey and get up when Jesus commanded him to. The preacher emphasizes the importance of faith in taking a leap and believing in Christ, even when it seems irrational. The man's obedience resulted in a miraculous healing, as the power of God flowed through the word of the Lord and brought life to his bones and flesh. The preacher also warns against the misconception that following Jesus means seeking help for personal gain, emphasizing the need for a genuine relationship with Christ.
Message for Youth for Christ
By A.W. Tozer3.3K25:53MessagePRO 3:34MAT 4:17MAT 23:12LUK 24:49ACT 13:22CO 12:9JAS 4:6In this sermon, the speaker presents thirteen key points or "theses" for the evangelical church. The first thesis is about the importance of repentance and how the whole life of a faithful believer should be an act of repentance. The speaker emphasizes the need for true worshipers who are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. He warns against relying on the sponsorship or approval of influential people and highlights the significance of humility and simplicity in demonstrating true Christianity. The speaker calls for a reformation within the church and urges the youth for Christ to be leaders who set a positive example for others.
(John the Baptist Comes to Town) - Part 4 Turn or Burn!
By Rolfe Barnard2.8K25:18John The BaptistGEN 6:9PSA 9:17MAT 4:17LUK 13:3JHN 3:36ACT 17:30ROM 6:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance as the only command that God has for sinners. He states that God does not have time to argue or negotiate with sinners, but instead demands that they turn away from their sinful ways. The preacher highlights the message of John the Baptist, who proclaimed the need for repentance and warned of the consequences of not turning to God. He also emphasizes that through the grace of God and belief in Jesus Christ, sinners can receive forgiveness and be set free from the punishment of hell.
Sunday #2 Repentance
By J. Edwin Orr2.8K49:42RepentanceMAT 4:17MRK 1:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance in the preaching of the gospel. He refers to Matthew's Gospel chapter 4 verse 17, where Jesus began his preaching by saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." The preacher highlights that repentance is the first word of the gospel and the evidence of the new birth. He argues that the preaching of repentance is often missing in evangelism today and calls for a revival and awakening through a renewed emphasis on repentance in preaching. The preacher also emphasizes that every great awakening in history has involved a renewal of the preaching of repentance.
What Does It Really Mean to Be Born Again?
By J. Edwin Orr2.8K59:31Born AgainMAT 4:17MAT 28:19LUK 15:6ACT 3:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the first word of the gospel. He explains that proclaiming belief in Christ is not enough; it requires a complete change in thinking, behavior, and feeling. The preacher encourages the audience to seek guidance and prayer if they are unsure about this change. He references three parables in Luke 15, known as the Gospel parables, to illustrate the significance of repentance and the joy it brings in heaven. The sermon concludes with a call to change one's attitude and put trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Whatever Happened to Repentance
By David Wilkerson2.6K00:00RepentanceMAT 4:17MAT 23:37MRK 16:16LUK 5:32ACT 2:38ROM 2:4HEB 6:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus. He urges the congregation to come forward and confess their sins, both believers and non-believers alike. The preacher encourages everyone to be open and honest with God, confessing any hidden sins and seeking Godly sorrow in their hearts. He reminds the audience that all of heaven rejoices when even one sinner repents. The sermon concludes with a call to ask God to reveal where each individual stands in their relationship with Him.
The Missing Link
By J. Edwin Orr2.5K47:47Revival TheologyMAT 4:17MRK 1:14LUK 15:4LUK 24:47In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the Gospel parables found in the fifteenth chapter of the Gospel of Luke. He examines the peculiar endings of each story, where the shepherd and the woman call together their friends and neighbors to rejoice over finding what was lost. The preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance, highlighting that Jesus added the statement about rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. He also mentions the significance of the word "repent" in the preaching of Jesus and how it is often missing from modern evangelism. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about a meeting with a notorious gangster and the importance of sharing the message of repentance with others.
(The Real Jesus) 4 How Jesus Served the Father
By Zac Poonen2.2K1:12:35MAT 4:17MAT 5:3MAT 5:21MAT 5:27MAT 5:33MAT 5:48MAT 7:1MAT 7:15MAT 8:20MAT 10:16MAT 10:34MAT 23:37MRK 6:4LUK 12:4LUK 14:25LUK 24:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finishing the work that God has given us to do. He references John 17:4, where Jesus declares that he has glorified God on earth by completing the work assigned to him. The speaker also mentions the paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 4:2, which states that a servant should faithfully obey their master's instructions. He highlights the significance of studying the Bible and encourages listeners to turn to the scriptures whenever they come across unfamiliar verses. Additionally, the speaker discusses the dangers of idol worship and how it can lead to spiritual lifelessness. He contrasts this with the confirmation of God's word through signs and wonders in places where the gospel is being spread for the first time. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that our calling is not to seek personal satisfaction or achievements, but to faithfully fulfill the work God has entrusted to us.
God Bless the Small - Part 1
By Vance Havner2.0K23:50FaithPSA 119:126MAT 3:2MAT 4:17MRK 6:3ACT 2:38ACT 17:30REV 2:5The sermon transcript discusses the importance of having a sense of expectancy in the church. The preacher emphasizes the need to believe that God can and will work in people's lives. He also highlights the need for repentance and turning away from sin in order to experience true revival. The sermon challenges the status quo and calls for a deeper commitment to God and a cleansing of the church.
A Voice Crying in the Wilderness
By Erlo Stegen2.0K1:01:31SinGEN 12:1MAT 3:1MAT 4:17MAT 11:11LUK 1:15In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing a personal story of a man who traveled to apologize to his brother after being convicted by God. The preacher then discusses the importance of repentance and preparing the way for the Lord, referencing Matthew 3 and the prophecy of Isaiah. He also shares a story of a girl from Scotland who exemplified modesty and preached with conviction. The sermon concludes with a reminder for both men and women to dress and behave according to their gender, as taught in the Bible.
Continuing Steadfastly
By Paris Reidhead1.8K57:13PerseveranceMAT 3:2MAT 4:17LUK 24:47ACT 2:37ACT 2:44In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of a man named Mr. Harold Hill, who was once a hopeless alcoholic. Mr. Hill had lost everything - his family, his business, his health, and his hope. However, when someone told him about Jesus Christ, he accepted Him into his heart and experienced a transformation. Jesus set him free from 22 years of alcohol addiction, restored his health, family, and business. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus Christ makes all the difference and urges college students to take this message seriously.
(Early Anabaptism) Theology Versus Anabaptist Reality
By Denny Kenaston1.8K1:19:30AnabaptismMAT 4:17MRK 1:15LUK 24:47JHN 7:14ACT 2:38ACT 3:191TH 1:5In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience to come and do business with God. He prays for the conviction of the Holy Spirit to touch the hearts of those wrestling with pride. The preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning to serve the living God. He shares the example of early followers of Jesus who called people to repent and join them, even in the face of persecution. The preacher highlights the power of God's transformative work in the lives of believers and the urgency of spreading the gospel message.
Poverty Mourning and Meekness
By Paris Reidhead1.7K35:45MeeknessMAT 4:17MAT 5:3In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5. Jesus begins by describing the characteristics of his subjects, emphasizing the blessings that await them in the kingdom of heaven. The preacher highlights the miracles performed by Jesus as demonstrations of the nature of this new kingdom and the benevolence of the king. He also emphasizes the importance of repentance, belief, and being born again in order to enter the kingdom of God. The preacher concludes by emphasizing that transitioning from the kingdom of this world to the kingdom of God requires a supernatural work of God's grace.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
(Gifts) Purpose of Sign Gifts
By Dwight Pentecost1.6K40:47GiftsMAT 4:17MAT 4:23MRK 16:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and his doubts about being accepted as a deliverer by his own people. Moses expresses his concern to God, who then asks him what he has in his hand. Moses replies that he has a rod. God instructs Moses to cast the rod on the ground, which turns into a serpent. The preacher connects this story to the message in Matthew 4:17, where Jesus calls for repentance because the kingdom of heaven is near. The preacher emphasizes that the nation of Israel had turned away from God and needed to repent in order to receive the blessings promised to them. The sermon also addresses the topic of speaking in tongues and the purpose of the signs performed by the apostles, which were meant to attract people to Jesus Christ and his message of salvation.
The Call to Leadership
By Stephen Olford1.5K1:00:24LeadershipMAT 4:17MAT 6:33MRK 3:13JHN 17:8JHN 17:14ACT 4:201JN 5:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the message preached at the Keswick convention, which is centered around three key words: victory, purity, and unity. The speaker highlights the importance of living in victory over the flesh, the devil, and temptations. He references Jesus' prayer for his disciples to be kept from the evil one as they are sent out into a hostile world. The sermon also emphasizes the training and example Jesus provided to his disciples, teaching them to trust in the Father and to preach the gospel with boldness and conviction.
(Daniel) Nebuchadnezzar's Dream - Part 2
By Willie Mullan1.5K1:05:57NebuchadnezzarDAN 2:31DAN 5:30DAN 6:28DAN 9:25MAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Daniel chapter two and the image that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream. The image had a head of gold, breast and arms of silver, belly and thighs of brass, legs and feet of iron, and toes of iron and clay. The preacher emphasizes the significance of the 400 silent years between the Old Testament and the New Testament, during which Alexander the Great and Caesar Augustus ruled the world. The sermon concludes with a promise to further explore the meaning of the ten toes mentioned in the image.
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
By Stephen Kaung1.5K59:19Kingdom Of GodMAT 4:17MAT 6:10MAT 6:19MAT 6:33LUK 24:44ACT 2:36ACT 28:31In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the kingdom of God in our lives. He uses the example of the children of Israel in Egypt, who were kept busy with hard labor to prevent them from focusing on spiritual matters. The speaker argues that this strategy of the enemy is still prevalent today, as many Christians prioritize worldly concerns over seeking the kingdom of God. He highlights that while it is necessary to take care of our physical needs, we should not let them become our priority, but rather seek God's kingdom first.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand--Thus did our Lord not only take up the strain, but give forth the identical summons of His honored forerunner. Our Lord sometimes speaks of the new kingdom as already come--in His own Person and ministry; but the economy of it was only "at hand" until the blood of the cross was shed, and the Spirit on the day of Pentecost opened the fountain for sin and for uncleanness to the world at large. Calling of Peter and Andrew James and John (Mat 4:18-22).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he saith unto them, follow me,.... These two brethren had been the disciples of John, as Theophylact thinks, and which seems agreeable to Joh 1:35 and though through John's pointing out Christ unto them, they had some knowledge of him, and conversation with him, yet they abode with him but for that day, Joh 1:37 and afterwards returned to their master; and upon his imprisonment, betook themselves to their former employment: from whence Christ now calls them to be his disciples, saying "follow me", or "come after me": that is, be a disciple of mine; see Luk 14:27. And to encourage them to it, makes use of this argument; "and", or "for", I "will make you fishers of men": you shall be fishers still, but in a higher sense; and in a far more noble employment, and to much better purpose. The net they were to spread and cast was the Gospel, see Mat 13:47 for Christ made them not , "fishers of the law", to use the words of Maimonides (g), but fishers of the Gospel. The sea into which they were to cast the net was first Judea, and then the whole world; the fish they were to catch were the souls of men, both among Jews and Gentiles; of whose conversion and faith they were to be the happy instruments: now none could make them fishers in this sense, or fit them for such service, and succeed them in it, but Christ; and who here promises it unto them. (g) Hilcot. Talmud. Torah, c. 1. sect. 12. so Dr. Lightfoot cites the phrase, but in Ed. Amsterd. it is , "the judgments of the law".