And when the two disciples heard him say this
The two disciples mentioned here are followers of John the Baptist. In the context of John 1, John the Baptist has been preparing the way for the Messiah, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 40:3. His role was to point others to Jesus, the Lamb of God, as seen in John 1:36. The act of hearing is significant in biblical terms, often associated with understanding and obedience (Romans 10:17). The disciples' response to John's declaration indicates their readiness to transition from John's preparatory ministry to following the Messiah.

they followed Jesus
The decision to follow Jesus marks a pivotal moment in the lives of these disciples. In the cultural context of first-century Judaism, following a rabbi meant committing to learn from and emulate him. This act of following signifies a shift in allegiance and a desire to learn from Jesus, the true Rabbi and Teacher. This moment foreshadows the call of the other disciples and the establishment of Jesus' ministry. Theologically, it represents the call to discipleship, a theme that is central throughout the Gospels (Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17). The act of following Jesus is a response to the recognition of His identity as the Messiah, a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Savior (Isaiah 53, Micah 5:2).

1. John the Baptist
A prophetic figure who prepared the way for Jesus, known for baptizing with water and calling people to repentance. In this context, he identifies Jesus as the "Lamb of God."

2. Two Disciples
These are followers of John the Baptist who, upon hearing his declaration about Jesus, decide to follow Jesus. They are later identified as Andrew and, likely, John, the author of the Gospel.

3. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, recognized here as the "Lamb of God," a title that signifies His role in the redemption of humanity.

4. Bethany beyond the Jordan
The location where John the Baptist was baptizing and where this event takes place.

5. The Event of Following
This moment marks the transition of the disciples from following John the Baptist to following Jesus, signifying the beginning of their discipleship under Christ.The Importance of Testimony
John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus prompts the disciples to follow Him. Our testimony about Christ can lead others to Him.

The Call to Follow
The disciples' immediate response to follow Jesus highlights the importance of being ready to act when we recognize God's call in our lives.

Transition from Old to New
The disciples' shift from following John to Jesus symbolizes moving from the old covenant to the new covenant, emphasizing the fulfillment of the law through Christ.

Recognizing Jesus' Identity
Understanding Jesus as the "Lamb of God" is crucial for recognizing His role in salvation history and our personal redemption.

Discipleship Begins with a Step
The act of following Jesus begins with a simple step of faith, which can lead to a transformative journey of discipleship.(37) The disciples understand the words as the teacher meant them. There is no word cutting the link between himself and them; that would have been hard to speak, hard to hear. There is no word bidding them follow Jesus; that cannot be needed.

Verse 37. - And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed - became followers of - Jesus. This event, if not profoundly symbolic (as Godet says), is typical of the whole process which has gone on in augmenting rapidity from that day to this. If Jesus were what John said, if they were able on his showing to grasp this much concerning the Lord, they would find in him what John could never be to them. John might awaken the sense of sin, peril, shame, and fear; he had no power to allay it. The lonely Christ has as yet not called one disciple into his fellowship, but as Lamb of God he has power to draw all men to himself. The word now spoken was enough. It divided the bond which up to this time had united the disciples to John, and made them conspicuous forever in the group which "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth." "Primae origines ecclcsiae Christianae" (Bengel).

Parallel Commentaries ...


And when
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

two
δύο (dyo)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1417: Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.

disciples
μαθηταὶ (mathētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

heard
ἤκουσαν (ēkousan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

him
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

say this,
λαλοῦντος (lalountos)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

they followed
ἠκολούθησαν (ēkolouthēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 190: To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.

Jesus.
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.


John 1:37 NIV
John 1:37 NLT
John 1:37 ESV
John 1:37 NASB
John 1:37 KJV

John 1:37 BibleApps.com
John 1:37 Biblia Paralela
John 1:37 Chinese Bible
John 1:37 French Bible
John 1:37 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: John 1:37 The two disciples heard him speak (Jhn Jo Jn)