The verse subtly highlights Andrew's significance by mentioning Peter before Peter is even introduced into the narrative. This implies that Peter's future importance is so well-known that mentioning his brother Andrew immediately calls Peter to mind, even elevating Andrew's introduction through his connection to this prominent figure.
One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse unfolds immediately after John the Baptist points Jesus out as the "Lamb of God," prompting two of his disciples to leave him and follow Jesus. One of these disciples is identified as Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, indicating that Peter is already known to the readers, even though he hasn't appeared in the narrative yet. The text emphasizes Andrew's immediate action of finding his own brother and bringing him to Jesus, highlighting a pattern of sharing the good news about the Messiah.
Ever feel like you're not important enough to make a difference? This verse introduces one of Jesus' first followers, and his story is a powerful reminder.
The Gospel of John begins by introducing us to some of Jesus' very first disciples, and Andrew is one of them. He's identified not by his own achievements, but by his relationship to his more famous brother, Simon Peter.
Andrew's Obscurity
This shows us that even if you feel like you're in the background, your personal encounter with Jesus can equip you to lead others to Him.
Encountering Jesus changes you. This verse and its context reveal the immediate, contagious nature of true faith.
The immediate action of Andrew after meeting Jesus is remarkable. He doesn't keep this incredible discovery to himself.
The Contagion of Faith
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This model of evangelism—personal encounter, joyful proclamation, and intentional introduction—is a powerful example for us today.
Understand the original words
mashiach · Hebrew Noun
The promised deliverer of the Jewish nation prophesied in the Hebrew Bible. It signifies the 'Anointed One,' set apart by God for the offices of prophet, priest, and king.
Christos · Greek Noun/Adjective
The Greek translation of the Hebrew 'Messiah.' It identifies Jesus as the divinely appointed King and Savior, anointed by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's redemptive purposes.
Kephas · Aramaic (transliterated into Greek) Noun
A name given to Simon by Jesus, meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' It denotes the stability and foundational role this disciple would play in the early church.
Petros · Greek Noun
The Greek equivalent of Cephas, meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' It highlights the transformation of Simon's character under the influence of Jesus.
This passage highlights how the earliest followers of Jesus came to Him, not all at once, but through personal invitation and testimony from those who had just met Him.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
John the Baptist's Ministry
John the Baptist preaches a message of repentance and baptizes in the Jordan River, preparing the way for Jesus. He publicly identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God.
c. AD 28-30
Calling of the First Disciples
Two of John's disciples, one of whom is Andrew, hear his testimony about Jesus and begin to follow Jesus themselves.
c. AD 28-30
Andrew Brings Peter to Jesus
Andrew finds his brother Simon and tells him they have found the Messiah, then brings Simon to meet Jesus.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus Renames Simon 'Peter'
Jesus renames Simon, calling him Cephas (or Peter), meaning 'rock,' signifying his future role in the early church.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
Jesus encounters Philip and Nathanael, adding them to the growing group of followers who would become the core of his disciples.
This passage immediately follows, showing Andrew's zeal in finding his brother Simon and bringing him to Jesus, highlighting the ripple effect of encountering Christ.
Matthew 4:18-20This shows Jesus calling Andrew and Peter to be 'fishers of men,' demonstrating their foundational role as disciples and the progression from their initial meeting.
1 Corinthians 1:1This verse identifies Andrew as an apostle, confirming his calling and ministry, which began with his encounter described in John 1.
Mark 1:16-18This parallel account also depicts Jesus calling Andrew and Simon Peter, emphasizing the divine initiative in their discipleship and their immediate response.
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…
The verse subtly highlights Andrew's significance by mentioning Peter before Peter is even introduced into the narrative. This implies that Peter's future importance is so well-known that mentioning his brother Andrew immediately calls Peter to mind, even elevating Andrew's introduction through his connection to this prominent figure.
This verse unfolds immediately after John the Baptist points Jesus out as the "Lamb of God," prompting two of his disciples to leave him and follow Jesus. One of these disciples is identified as Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, indicating that Peter is already known to the readers, even though he hasn't appeared in the narrative yet. The text emphasizes Andrew's immediate action of finding his own brother and bringing him to Jesus, highlighting a pattern of sharing the good news about the Messiah.
This verse unfolds immediately after John the Baptist points Jesus out as the "Lamb of God," prompting two of his disciples to leave him and follow Jesus. One of these disciples is identified as Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, indicating that Peter is already known to the readers, even though he hasn't appeared in the narrative yet. The text emphasizes Andrew's immediate action of finding his own brother and bringing him to Jesus, highlighting a pattern of sharing the good news about the Messiah.
"One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him…" — The verse subtly highlights Andrew's significance by mentioning Peter before Peter is even introduced into the narrative. This implies that Peter's future importance is so well-known that mentionin…
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Last reviewed October 2026
