This depth study of the Biblical metaphor “fishers of men” challenges the “simple folk” myth surrounding the disciples and broadens the meaning and possible interpretations of the fishing concept.
Known technically as halieutica, a mass of literature dating back to the pre-Christian centuries, dealing with the themes of fishing and fishermen, has developed. Dr. Wuellner examines this material as well as the Biblical literature and comes up with fresh answers to three problems that have concerned Biblical scholars over the years:
• What was fishing like in New Testament times?
Having discovered that fishing in Galilee was an exceedingly profitable industry and trade, Dr. Wuellner proceeds to show that the disciples were people of more than adequate means, with social and cultural opportunities and prosperous economic power. This leads to a new appreciation of the dynamics of the divine vocation extended to them by Jesus.
• How did Jesus transform the “fishers of men” concept into a job description for his followers?
In ihe light of the gospel traditions about discipleship tasks, Dr. Wuellner redefines the “fishers of men” designation as a comprehensive symbol which includes all the preaching healing. Christ- or faith-inter- preting functions for which Jesus commissioned the Twelve.
• How can man know that he has been caught by God and not by Satan?
Dr. Wuellner points out that the “fishers of men” symbol is applied only to those of recognized delegated apostolic author-ity (those who have “seen” the Lord) and never to the priesthood of believers in general.
Authoritative, scholarly, and thoroughly documented, this probing study not only offers a wealth of theological, historical, and literary resources, but paves the way for a broader, more rewarding interpretation of a central motif of New Testament teaching.