95 THE MISSION ORIGINATES IN CAPTIVATION: ἁλιεύω, πιάζω, σύρω, ἕλκω. (JN 21:6-11) J. DUNCAN M. DERRETT The earliest rationalization of Mission reflected in Jn 21, does not sug- gest it is a pleasant experience for the converts, or an easy task for the missioners. Some quaint presuppositions are offered for us to digest; and much Jewish law is hidden in the behavior depicted in such careful detail. I. Preliminary Observations: Fish and People As Charles Smith frankly noticed in 1959, it is obnoxious to Western people to be likened to fish, whereas to a collective people of an archaic type1 the simile is not absurd. Nor, indeed, is the idea of being likened to sheep. For sheep to stray, however natural, is regarded as a suitable simile for individuals’ erring. Ancient Jews could believe that fish were the first creatures created and their natures remained primitive. They were found in shoals (Num 11:22), collectivity at its maximum; they were philoprogenitive2, body predominating over soul, moisture and fluidity over continence and hea1th3. They have the power of movement, and are cunning4, but their life-potential is weak5. A person’s errant thoughts are visualized as fish-like6. Fish are a picture of the uncontrolled (Hab 1:14-15). Men are likened to fish (Hab 1:14) and therefore such a simile is ac- cepted. Fishing for people is a cheerful metaphor, especially if one fishes Note Plutarch’s comment on the Jews (Mor. 169c) that they were bound together by 1 superstitions as in a single net (σαγήνη). Athenag., leg. 34.2 (Migne, PG 6.968B). On sins of the tongue: Clem. str. 2.15 (Migne, 2 PG 72.429B). Fish suggest thoughts and passions Orig., hom. 1.16 in Gen. (Migne, PG 12.159A). Philo, Q & A in Gen 2.56 (L.C.L., Philo, Suppl. I. 143). 3 Plutarch, de Sollertia Animalium, Mor. 975C-978B (L.C.L., Plutarch, Mor. XII.414- 4 432). Oppian, Halieutica III.42, 92-170 (L.C .L., Oppian 348, 352-360). Philo, de Oppificio 66,68. 5 Philo, Somn. ii. 259f. 6 Filología Neotestamentaria - Vol. XV - 2002, pp. 95-109 Facultad de Filosofía y Letras - Universidad de Córdoba (España)