Luke 5:8

Peter saw it. Being a master fisherman and probably having spent most of his life at this occupation in these very waters, Peter quickly concluded that a miracle had occurred. Peter thought he knew the habits of the fish of Galilee, but even the fish of his own lake were apparently subject to Jesus. Now, he too was ready to obey the summons of the Master Fisher of men. See on vs. 6, 9.

Fell down. That is, while the boats were still out in the lake and while the others were securing the contents of the nets. Apparently, Christ was still in Simon’s boat (see vs. 3).

Depart from me. With telling force the sense of his own unworthiness to be associated with Jesus bore down upon the conscience of Peter. Yet he clung to Christ, silently testifying that his words reflected a sense of utter unworthiness rather than the desire to be separated from Jesus (see DA 246).

A sinful man. In the presence of a policeman a thief naturally feels uncomfortable, even though the policeman may not be aware of his criminal acts. How much more, then, should a sinner feel shame and unworthiness in the presence of a perfect Saviour. This sense of unworthiness is the first reaction in the human heart when God, through His Spirit, begins His work of transforming the life and character. Thus it was with Isaiah when, in vision, he was ushered into the divine presence (Isa. 6:5). God can do nothing for the man who does not first feel his need of salvation. Only those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled (see on Matt 5:3, 6). Upon Peter there now dawned, perhaps for the first time, a profound sense of his own spiritual need.

Lord. Gr. Kurios, a title that Luke applies to Jesus frequently in his Gospel (see on ch. 2:29).