The Narrative
Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11; John 1:35–51
The First Disciples by the Jordan
In John's account, the calling begins at the Jordan, where John the Baptist is standing with two of his disciples. Seeing Jesus walk by, John declares:
"Behold the Lamb of God!"
— John 1:36 (NKJV)
The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. One of them was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.
The following day Jesus found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me." Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote — Jesus of Nazareth." Nathanael said, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said, "Come and see."
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered and said to Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"
— John 1:47–49 (NKJV)
By the Sea of Galilee
And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
— Matthew 4:18–20 (NKJV)
Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
The Miraculous Catch of Fish
Luke records that Jesus stood by the Lake of Gennesaret and entered Simon's boat. After teaching the multitudes, He said to Simon:
"Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.
— Luke 5:4–6 (NKJV)
When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" … And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men." So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
— Luke 5:8, 10–11 (NKJV)