John 1:40

KJV

One of the two which heard John [speak], and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

KJV (with Strong's)

One {G1520} of {G1537} the two {G1417} which {G3588} heard {G191}{G3844} John {G2491} speak, and {G2532} followed {G190} him {G846}, was {G2258} Andrew {G406}, Simon {G4613} Peter's {G4074} brother {G80}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One of the two who had heard Yochanan and had followed Yeshua was Andrew the brother of Shim‘on Kefa.

Berean Standard Bible

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s testimony and followed Jesus.

American Standard Version

One of the two that heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 1:40 marks a pivotal moment in the nascent stages of Jesus' public ministry, introducing Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, as one of the very first individuals to transition from being a disciple of John the Baptist to becoming a follower of Jesus Christ. This verse highlights the immediate and decisive response of these early disciples to John's testimony, setting the stage for the formation of Jesus' inner circle and underscoring the foundational role of personal encounter and witness in the call to discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after John the Baptist's definitive declaration of Jesus as "the Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - John the Baptist's Declaration")) and his subsequent pointing out of Jesus to two of his own disciples ([John 1:35-36](/john/1-35-36 "John 1:35-36 - John Points to Jesus")). The narrative flow in [John 1:37-39](/john/1-37-39 "John 1:37-39 - The First Disciples Follow Jesus") describes these two disciples, one of whom is identified in verse 40 as Andrew, following Jesus and spending time with Him. John 1:40 serves as the explicit identification of one of these initial followers, thereby bridging the general narrative of "two disciples" to the specific introduction of a key figure in the apostolic band. It sets the stage for Andrew's subsequent action of bringing his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus in [John 1:41-42](/john/1-41-42 "John 1:41-42 - Andrew Brings Peter to Jesus"), initiating a chain reaction of discipleship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 1st-century Jewish world, it was common for aspiring students to attach themselves to a respected rabbi or spiritual teacher. These disciples (Hebrew: *talmidim*) would not merely attend lectures but would live with, learn from, and emulate their teacher, absorbing their teachings and way of life. John the Baptist, as a prominent prophetic figure, had gathered a significant following, and his disciples were deeply committed to his message of repentance and preparation for the Messiah. The transition of John's disciples to following Jesus, therefore, represents a profound shift in allegiance, recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of John's prophetic ministry. This act of "following" was a public declaration of commitment, signifying a readiness to embrace Jesus' teachings and lifestyle, often involving leaving behind previous occupations or social ties, as seen in later calls to discipleship.
* **Key Themes:** John 1:40 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Initiation of Discipleship**, illustrating how faith often begins with hearing a credible testimony and responding with immediate action. The disciples' decision to "follow" Jesus is a foundational act of commitment. Secondly, it underscores **The Essential Role of John the Baptist** as the divinely appointed forerunner, whose primary mission was to prepare the way for Jesus and point people directly to Him. John's humility and faithfulness in directing his own followers to Jesus are exemplary. Thirdly, the verse introduces **Andrew's Foundational Significance**, showcasing his role not only as one of the very first to recognize and follow Jesus but also, crucially, as the first evangelist who brings his brother, Simon Peter, to Christ, as detailed in [John 1:41](/john/1-41 "John 1:41 - Andrew Finds Peter"). This act of personal witness becomes a recurring motif in the spread of the Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō_):** This primary verb signifies "to hear (in various senses)." In this context, it implies not just the physical act of perceiving sound, but a deeper, receptive hearing that leads to understanding and action. The disciples heard John's testimony about Jesus, and this hearing was effective, prompting their subsequent decision to follow Him. It speaks to the power of the spoken word and the importance of attentive listening to divine revelation.
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō_):** Derived from a word meaning "to be in the same way with," this verb properly means "to accompany (specially, as a disciple)." It denotes more than casual trailing; it signifies a deliberate and decisive commitment to become a student or adherent of Jesus. This act of following implies a readiness to learn from, emulate, and align one's life with the teachings and person of Jesus, marking the beginning of a transformative relationship.
* **brother (Greek, _adelphós_):** This term, meaning "a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote," is crucial here for establishing Andrew's familial connection to Simon Peter. While seemingly a simple descriptor, it foreshadows the introduction of Peter, who will become a towering figure among the apostles. Andrew's identity is immediately linked to his more famous sibling, yet it is Andrew who first encounters Jesus and then brings Peter to Him, highlighting the significance of familial and personal relationships in the spread of the Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One of the two which heard John [speak]":** This clause immediately connects the identified disciple, Andrew, to the preceding narrative where John the Baptist pointed out Jesus. The "hearing" is not passive; it implies a reception of John's testimony about Jesus as the Messiah, which served as the catalyst for their reorientation towards Christ. It emphasizes the crucial role of John's prophetic witness in directing individuals to the true Lamb of God.
* **"and followed him":** This phrase signifies the active and intentional response of the disciples to John's testimony and Jesus' presence. "Following" Jesus was the quintessential act of discipleship in the ancient world, indicating a commitment to learn from, serve, and emulate a teacher. It was a conscious decision to align their lives with Jesus, marking the beginning of their journey as His students and adherents, moving beyond mere curiosity to genuine allegiance.
* **"was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother":** This final clause provides the specific identification of one of the two unnamed disciples. Andrew is introduced not in isolation, but immediately in relation to his more famous brother, Simon Peter. This detail is significant as it not only names Andrew but also subtly foreshadows Peter's future prominence, while simultaneously highlighting Andrew's vital role as the one who first encounters Jesus and then brings Peter into the fold. It underscores the personal and relational nature of early discipleship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Character Introduction** is primary, as it formally names Andrew, a key figure among the first disciples, and implicitly introduces Simon Peter through his familial connection. This method of introduction immediately establishes a relational context for Andrew. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, particularly through the mention of "Simon Peter's brother," which subtly hints at Peter's future prominence while simultaneously elevating Andrew's initial role in bringing Peter to Jesus. The narrative also exhibits **Conciseness and Precision**, conveying a significant turning point in the lives of these individuals with remarkable brevity, focusing on the essential actions of hearing and following, which are central to the theme of discipleship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:40 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of discipleship and evangelism. It illustrates that the call to follow Christ often originates from the testimony of another, much like John the Baptist pointed his disciples to Jesus. This initial act of "hearing" and "following" is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative commitment of one's life. The verse also subtly introduces the concept of chain evangelism, where one person's encounter with Christ leads them to bring others to Him, a pattern that becomes central to the spread of the Gospel. It underscores the divine initiative in calling individuals, yet also highlights the human responsibility to respond to that call and to share the good news with those in their sphere of influence.

* [Matthew 4:18-20](/matthew/4-18-20 "Matthew 4:18-20 - The Call of Simon Peter and Andrew")
* [Mark 1:16-18](/mark/1-16-18 "Mark 1:16-18 - Jesus Calls Simon and Andrew")
* [John 1:41-42](/john/1-41-42 "John 1:41-42 - Andrew Brings Peter to Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 1:40 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that the journey of faith often begins with an encounter, whether directly with the Word of God or through the faithful witness of another. Andrew's immediate and decisive response to follow Jesus, without hesitation, serves as a powerful model for our own readiness to obey Christ's call in our lives. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our "hearing"—are we truly listening to God's voice and the testimonies of His truth, or are we merely passively observing? Furthermore, Andrew's subsequent action, as revealed in the following verse, to bring his brother Simon Peter to Jesus, provides a timeless blueprint for personal evangelism. It teaches us that our most impactful witness often begins with those closest to us—family, friends, and colleagues. We are called to be bridges, connecting others to the Savior, not through elaborate arguments, but through the simple, authentic sharing of our own encounter with Christ. This verse encourages a proactive and relational approach to sharing the Gospel, recognizing the ripple effect that one person's decision to follow Jesus can have on countless others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Andrew's immediate response to follow Jesus challenge my own readiness to obey God's call in my life?**
* **In what ways can I, like John the Baptist, faithfully point others to Jesus without drawing attention to myself?**
* **Who are the "Simon Peters" in my life—family members, friends, or colleagues—whom I can intentionally invite to encounter Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who was the other disciple mentioned in John 1:40, who also heard John and followed Jesus?**

Answer: While John 1:40 explicitly names Andrew, the other disciple is not named in this passage. However, a strong tradition, supported by early church fathers and internal textual clues, suggests that the unnamed disciple was John, the author of this Gospel. The Gospel of John often refers to its author indirectly (e.g., "the disciple whom Jesus loved"), and his presence in such a foundational moment of discipleship would be consistent with his intimate relationship with Jesus. This humility in not naming himself is a characteristic feature of his writing.

**What is the significance of Andrew being identified as "Simon Peter's brother" at this early stage?**

Answer: The identification of Andrew as "Simon Peter's brother" is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it immediately connects Andrew to a figure who would become one of the most prominent apostles, subtly foreshadowing Peter's future importance. Secondly, it highlights Andrew's crucial role in bringing Peter to Jesus, as detailed in [John 1:41-42](/john/1-41-42 "John 1:41-42 - Andrew Brings Peter to Jesus"). This detail emphasizes the relational and personal nature of early evangelism, where one person's encounter with Christ leads them to share the good news with those closest to them. Andrew, though often overshadowed by Peter, is presented here as the initial catalyst for Peter's introduction to Jesus.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:40, by depicting Andrew's immediate response to follow Jesus, serves as a powerful microcosm of the broader call to discipleship that resonates throughout the New Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Andrew's act of "following" is not merely a historical event but a prototype for every believer's response to the Gospel. Just as Andrew heard John's testimony and turned to Jesus, so too are believers called to hear the good news of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection—and to commit their lives to Him. This initial following foreshadows the ultimate call to "take up one's cross daily and follow Him" ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Cost of Discipleship")), embodying a life of surrender and obedience to the Lordship of Jesus. Andrew's subsequent action of bringing his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus ([John 1:41](/john/1-41 "John 1:41 - Andrew Brings Peter to Jesus")) beautifully illustrates the Great Commission given by Christ to His disciples: to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). Thus, Andrew's initial encounter and subsequent witness are not just about a historical figure, but they embody the very heart of Christ's redemptive mission—to call individuals into relationship with Himself and empower them to be His witnesses to the world, extending the kingdom of God one personal invitation at a time, all centered on the person and work of the resurrected Christ ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 1:16

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Mark 1:20

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

Matthew 4:18

¶ And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Matthew 4:22

And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

John 1:40

One of the two which heard John [speak], and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

John 1:42

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

Luke 5:2

And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing [their] nets.