Matthew 4:21

James the son of Zebedee.

James (same as Jacob). He was. son of Zebedee; his mother's name was Salome. Compare Matthew 27:56, with Mark 15:40. He probably resided at Bethsaida; joined Jesus, with his brother John, at the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:21); is never mentioned in the gospels except in connection with his brother John; was martyred under Herod Agrippa, A. D. 44 (Acts 12:2). There is reason to believe that he and his brother John were own cousins of our Lord.-- Abbott.

John.

He was. brother of James, and, of course, is not to be confounded with John the Baptist. Several references in the New Testament indicate that his family was one of some wealth and social position (Mark 1:20; Luke 8:3; Luke 23:55. compare with Mark 16:1; John 19:27). He appears to have accompanied our Lord in his first ministry in Judea; and he is the only one of the evangelists who gives any account of that ministry. He is mentioned frequently in connection with Peter and James as especially intimate with Jesus (Matthew 17:1; Mark 5:37; John 13:23); and of those three, he appears to have been the one most beloved of our Lord.-- Abbott.

In. ship.

The word translated "ship" means anything that sails, corresponding more exactly to craft, or vessel, than to ship, which in modern usage commonly implies. certain size, if not. certain form and structure. The vessels here meant were small fishing smacks, propelled both by sails and oars, and drawn up on the shore when not engaged in actual service.