Where did Jesus first meet Simon Peter and Andrew? By the sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18-22) On the banks of river Jordan (John 1:42). After that, Jesus decided to go to Galilee (John 1:43) Introduction The question of where Jesus first met Simon Peter and Andrew often arises from comparing two Gospel accounts: Matthew 4:18–22 and John 1:42–43. At first glance, these passages may seem to describe separate locations. In Matthew, Jesus encounters Peter and Andrew “by the Sea of Galilee,” whereas in John, their introduction to Jesus occurs near the Jordan River. This apparent difference, however, displays the richness of the Gospels’ perspectives rather than a contradiction. The following entry examines both narratives, explores the possible timeline, and provides relevant contextual background. 1. Context in Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 4:18–22) “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow Me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed Him.” (Matthew 4:18–20) Matthew’s account highlights a vivid scene on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The passage depicts Jesus calling Simon (also known as Peter) and Andrew while they are engaged in their daily work as fishermen. This event emphasizes the immediate obedience of the two brothers, who abandon their nets and follow Him. Traditionally, readers have often understood this as their very first encounter with Jesus. Yet, the Gospel of John offers additional details that supplement and deepen our understanding of the timeline. 2. Context in John’s Gospel (John 1:42–43) “Then Andrew brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which is translated as Peter). The next day Jesus decided to set out for Galilee. Finding Philip, He told him, ‘Follow Me.’” (John 1:42–43) In John’s Gospel, Andrew is introduced as a disciple of John the Baptist, and readers learn that Andrew first encounters Jesus in the region along the Jordan (John 1:28–30). After hearing John the Baptist’s testimony that Jesus is the “Lamb of God,” Andrew follows Jesus and then brings his brother Simon to Him. At this initial meeting, Jesus renames Simon (son of John) to Cephas (Peter). Immediately after, Jesus “decided to set out for Galilee,” indicating a subsequent journey northward. 3. Harmonizing the Two Accounts Several points help bring unity to these narratives: 1. Initial Introduction near the Jordan: John’s Gospel provides details of a preliminary encounter. Andrew, previously a disciple of John the Baptist, meets Jesus and brings Simon to Him. This event happens near the Jordan, where John the Baptist was ministering. 2. Subsequent Call by the Sea of Galilee: Matthew shows a later scene in which Jesus formally calls Simon and Andrew to leave their livelihoods and follow Him as His disciples. At the Sea of Galilee, they respond without hesitation, indicating a familiarity already established in John’s account. Matthew’s narrative focuses on the authoritative summons to lifelong discipleship in their hometown region. From a chronological perspective, both accounts fit coherently: an introduction occurs by the Jordan (John), followed by a more definitive calling at the Sea of Galilee (Matthew). 4. Possible Sequence of Events 1. Ministry of John the Baptist: John the Baptist testifies about Jesus near the Jordan River. Andrew, among those listening, follows Jesus. 2. Introduction of Simon to Jesus: Andrew brings Simon (Peter) to meet Jesus, who renames Simon to Cephas (Peter). 3. Journey to Galilee: Jesus leaves the Jordan area, traveling north. 4. Formal Call to Discipleship: By the Sea of Galilee, Jesus encounters Peter and Andrew engaged in fishing. He calls them to become “fishers of men.” They immediately follow, demonstrating a commitment built on the prior introduction near the Jordan. As a historical comparison, sources such as archaeological findings place John’s baptismal ministry traditionally at a site known as “Bethany beyond the Jordan” (John 1:28) or “Bethabara,” which was east of the Jordan River. Meanwhile, Capernaum and Bethsaida, towns near the Sea of Galilee, are documented as key fishing locales in that region (Luke 5:10; Mark 1:21). These geographical markers support the idea that Jesus could easily have been in the Jordan region during John the Baptist’s ministry and then traveled to Galilee, where fishing settlements were located. 5. Theological Significance 1. Progressive Revelation of Jesus: The transition from John’s testimony at the Jordan to Jesus’ formal calling by the Sea of Galilee highlights a growing understanding of who Jesus is. Andrew, encountering Jesus near the Jordan, declares, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). By the time we reach the shore of Galilee, Jesus’ authority is so compelling that Peter and Andrew immediately follow Him. 2. Key Role of Witness: Andrew’s role in bringing Simon Peter to Jesus (John 1:40–42) illustrates the transformative impact of a personal testimony. After hearing John the Baptist identify Jesus as the Christ, Andrew actively shares this news with his brother. 3. Call to Discipleship: Matthew’s account underscores the decisive nature of becoming a disciple. The phrase, “Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19), remains a significant declaration of Jesus’ sovereign call to service and mission. 6. Addressing the Apparent Discrepancy When interpreting these passages, it is important to recognize that the Gospels operate as complementary eyewitness accounts, each emphasizing different details. Rather than contradicting one another, Matthew and John spotlight distinct moments: • John: The earliest encounter and introduction near the Jordan. • Matthew: The later, formal calling to life-long discipleship and ministry by the Sea of Galilee. Gospel writers had different thematic focuses. John introduces Jesus as the Lamb of God and highlights signs and personal encounters showing Jesus’ divine identity. Matthew focuses on how Jesus’ ministry launches in the region of Galilee, fulfilling prophetic scriptures (e.g., Isaiah 9:1–2 quoted in Matthew 4:14–16). Together, they present a unified picture. Conclusion Both the encounter near the Jordan River (John 1:42) and the formal call by the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18–22) refer to real events in which Jesus meets and calls Simon Peter and Andrew. Far from being contradictory, these accounts illustrate two stages in the relationship between Jesus and these future disciples: • A first meeting, sparked by John the Baptist’s testimony near the Jordan, leading Andrew to introduce his brother Simon to Jesus. • A second, more definitive calling on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus beckons them to leave their fishing nets and follow Him in the ministry to come. In answering “Where did Jesus first meet Simon Peter and Andrew?”, the integrated perspective from both John and Matthew reveals that Andrew and Simon Peter initially encountered Jesus near the Jordan, with a subsequent call along the Sea of Galilee. This comprehensive view highlights the continuity and depth found in the Gospels’ portrayal of Jesus’ life and calling of His disciples. |
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