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We should observe, lastly, in this passage, the mighty promise which Jesus holds out to Peter—“Fear not,” He says, “from henceforth you shall catch men.”

That promise, we may well believe, was not intended for Peter only but for all the Apostles—and not for all the Apostles only, but for all faithful ministers of the Gospel who walk in the Apostles’ steps. It was spoken for their encouragement and consolation. It was intended to support them under that sense of weakness and unprofitableness by which they are sometimes almost overwhelmed. They certainly have a treasure in earthen vessels. (2 Cor. 4:7.) They are men of like passions with others. They find their own hearts weak and frail, like the hearts of any of their hearers. They are often tempted to give up in despair, and to leave off preaching. But here stands a promise, on which the great Head of the Church would have them daily lean—“Fear not, you shall catch men.”

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– J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of Luke