One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though Andrew is the focus here, John immediately points out he's "Simon Peter's brother," highlighting Peter's future prominence. This isn't to diminish Andrew, but to show God's plan often works through seemingly ordinary connections, bringing greater figures to Christ via those we might overlook.
One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just been identified as the Lamb of God by John the Baptist, prompting two of John's disciples to leave him and follow Jesus. One of these two disciples, later revealed to be Andrew, immediately finds his brother Simon and declares they've found the Messiah, bringing Simon to Jesus. This encounter marks the initial steps in Jesus gathering his core followers, highlighting how faith spreads from one person to another.
Sometimes, the most profound impact comes from those who aren't the loudest voices. Andrew's story shows how a single encounter with Jesus can ignite a chain reaction.
This verse introduces us to Andrew, one of the two disciples who heard John the Baptist and then followed Jesus.
The Humble Beginning
Before Andrew brought Peter to Jesus, something crucial had to happen: Andrew himself had to truly hear and follow John's testimony.
This verse is part of the Gospel of John's account of the very first disciples being called.
From Hearing to Following
Ask a follow-up
The Gospel of John emphasizes that Jesus’ first disciples came to Him through personal encounters and testimonies, highlighting how even prominent leaders like Peter were brought to faith by others.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist starts his public ministry in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repentance and announcing the imminent arrival of the Messiah.
c. AD 28
Jesus is Baptized and Tempted
Jesus comes to John to be baptized in the Jordan River, after which he is driven into the wilderness for forty days of temptation.
c. AD 28
John Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God
John the Baptist sees Jesus approaching and declares him to be the Lamb of God, a powerful title signifying Jesus' atoning sacrifice.
c. AD 28— this verse
Andrew and Another Disciple Follow Jesus
Two of John's disciples, one of whom is Andrew (later identified as Simon Peter's brother, and likely the author John himself), hear John's testimony and begin to follow Jesus.
c. AD 28
Andrew Finds His Brother Simon
Andrew, filled with excitement, immediately seeks out his brother Simon and tells him, 'We have found the Messiah.' He then brings Simon to Jesus.
c. AD 28
Jesus Renames Simon Peter
Jesus looks at Simon and declares that he will be called Cephas, which is translated as Peter, signifying his future role as a foundational leader in the church.
This passage shows Jesus calling Peter and Andrew from their fishing trade, directly paralleling Andrew's role in bringing his brother to Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:10Paul urges unity in the church, echoing the theme of brothers being united in Christ, similar to Andrew bringing Simon to Jesus.
1 John 1:1-3The Apostle John, likely the unnamed disciple, testifies to what he has seen and heard, mirroring the act of sharing the good news about Jesus that Andrew immediately does with Peter.
Acts 4:13Peter and John are recognized for their boldness, highlighting their significance as disciples and brothers, a dynamic that began with their initial call.
ellicottJohn 1:40: "One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother."
(40) One of the two. —The Evangelist will even here draw the veil over his own identity (see Introduction ) . The one is Andrew, even now marked out as brother of the better-known Simon Peter. On these names comp. Note on Matthew 10:2-4 ; but it should be observed here, that on this first day, as the earnest of the harvest to come, we have the two pairs of brothers, the sons of Zebedee (comp…
vincentJohn 1:40: "One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother."
One of the twoThe other being John.AndrewSee on Mark 3:18. Compare Mark 13:3; John 6:8; John 12:22.Simon Peter's brotherThe mention of Simon Peter before he has appeared in the narrative indicates the importance which the Evangelist attaches to him. It seems to assume a knowledge of the evangelic narrative on the part of the readers. See a similar instance of anticipating what is subsequentl…
Even though Andrew is the focus here, John immediately points out he's "Simon Peter's brother," highlighting Peter's future prominence. This isn't to diminish Andrew, but to show God's plan often works through seemingly ordinary connections, bringing greater figures to Christ via those we might overlook.
Jesus has just been identified as the Lamb of God by John the Baptist, prompting two of John's disciples to leave him and follow Jesus. One of these two disciples, later revealed to be Andrew, immediately finds his brother Simon and declares they've found the Messiah, bringing Simon to Jesus. This encounter marks the initial steps in Jesus gathering his core followers, highlighting how faith spreads from one person to another.
Jesus has just been identified as the Lamb of God by John the Baptist, prompting two of John's disciples to leave him and follow Jesus. One of these two disciples, later revealed to be Andrew, immediately finds his brother Simon and declares they've found the Messiah, bringing Simon to Jesus. This encounter marks the initial steps in Jesus gathering his core followers, highlighting how faith spreads from one person to another.
"One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother." — Even though Andrew is the focus here, John immediately points out he's "Simon Peter's brother," highlighting Peter's future prominence. This isn't to diminish Andrew, but to show God's plan often wor…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026