And going on from thence, he saw other two,.... When he had gone but a little way further, Mr 1:19 he spied two other persons he was looking for, and had designed to call to the office of apostleship; and these are also described as "brethren", and by name,James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother.
The Jews make mention in their writings , of one ydbz rb bqey r, "R. James, the son of Zebedee": which Capellus conjectures is the very same person here mentioned: but the James they speak of as a disciple of Jesus, they call hanym bqey, "James the heretic" ; who, they say, was of the village of Secaniah, and sometimes of the village of Sama.
His brother's name was John, who was the Evangelist, as well as Apostle: these werein a ship with Zebedee their father. Men of this name, and sons of men of this name, were very common among the Jewish Rabbins; but neither this man, nor his sons, were masters or doctors in Israel; for such Christ chose not for his apostles.
It seems to be the same name with Zebadiah, 1Ch 27:7 these, with him, were "mending their nets", which were broken, and needed repairing; and perhaps being poor, could not afford to buy new ones: this shows their industry and diligence, and may be a pattern and example to persons, closely to attend the business of their calling, whilst the providence of God continues them in it.
And he called them: from their employment, to follow him, and become his disciples; and no doubt gave them the same promise and encouragement he had given the two former. T. Hieros. Yebamot, fol. 9. 4.
& Maaser Sheni, fol. 55. 2. Trumot. fol. 45. 2. Sheviith. fol. 35. 1. Bereshith Rab. fol. 31. 4. & 36. 2. Spicilegium in loc. T. Bab. Megilla, 23. 1. Avoda Zara, fol 17. 1. & 27. 2. & 28. 1. Cholin. fol.
84. 1. T. Hieros. Sabbat. fol. 14. 4. & Abvoda Zara, fol. 40. 4. Midrash Kohelet, fol. 62. 4. & 77. 1. Juchasin, fol. 41.