When Were Peter and Andrew Called by Jesus?

Question:

In Luke 5:1–7, we read that Jesus called Peter and Andrew while they were fishing by the Sea of Galilee. But in John 1:35–42, it seems they had already met Jesus earlier while following John the Baptist. Does this mean the Bible is contradicting itself?

Answer:
Not at all. What we have here are two distinct events in the lives of Peter and Andrew. The Bible does not contradict itself—rather, it offers complementary perspectives from different writers. Understanding the historical and theological context helps us see how these accounts fit together seamlessly.

Let’s look at the two passages:

1. The First Encounter – John 1:35–42

This event marks the initial meeting between Jesus, Andrew, and Peter.

“The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’
When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus…
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.
The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ).
And he brought him to Jesus…”
(John 1:35–42)

At this point, Andrew and another disciple (likely John, the Gospel writer himself) begin following Jesus out of personal interest and conviction, having heard John the Baptist declare Him as the “Lamb of God.” Andrew’s excitement leads him to bring his brother Simon (Peter) to Jesus. This is their first introduction to Christ, but Jesus does not yet call them to full-time discipleship.

2. The Call to Discipleship – Luke 5:1–11

Later, Jesus meets Peter and Andrew again while they are fishing and gives them a specific call to follow Him.

“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret… He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon…
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’
Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’
When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.”
(Luke 5:1–6)

After this miracle, Jesus tells them:

“‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”
(Luke 5:10b–11)

This moment marks a clear turning point—not just knowing Jesus, but committing to follow Him fully. Peter and Andrew’s decision to leave their nets reflects repentance, faith, and submission to Christ’s lordship. This aligns with Jesus’ pattern of progressive revelation and calling, as seen throughout the Gospels.

Harmonizing the Two Events

The Gospel of John shows us their initial faith and interest, while Luke shows us the moment of radical obedience and calling. These are not contradictory, but complementary.

This two-stage calling fits the biblical pattern:

• God often prepares hearts before issuing a life-altering call (see Moses in Exodus 2–3, or Paul in Acts 9 and Galatians 1:15–17).
• Discipleship is both a relationship and a mission. Peter and Andrew first met Jesus personally (John 1), then later surrendered to His purpose (Luke 5).

Far from being a contradiction, these two passages show us the grace of Jesus in meeting people where they are—first with an invitation to know Him, and later with a call to leave everything and follow Him. Just like Peter and Andrew, our walk with Christ often begins with curiosity, grows through relationship, and leads to a deeper commitment as we respond to His call.

Come, Lord Jesus!
(See Revelation 22:20)

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