John 1:40-42 · Bible study
John 1:40-42 Commentary: The First Witness and the New Name
Greek · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
John 1:40-42 recounts Andrew's immediate witness to his brother Simon, leading him to Jesus, and Jesus' renaming of Simon as Peter.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Andrew's immediate witness to his brother Simon establishes a pattern for discipleship: personal encounter leads to familial invitation, and Jesus transforms those who are brought to him.
- Key words: πρῶτον (first, evidence of priority in sharing), εὑρήκαμεν (we have found, perfect tense: settled discovery), ἤγαγεν (brought, active leading), ἐμβλέψας (looked intently, penetrating gaze), κληθήσῃ (you will be called, future passive, divine renaming).
- Main debate: The identity of the other disciple (likely John himself) and the relationship of this Judean call to the later Galilean call in the Synoptics.
- Theological theme: Evangelism flows naturally from authentic encounter with Christ; Jesus knows his own intimately and renames them for their future.
- Best use: Sermons or classes on personal evangelism, discipleship, family witness, and the meaning of Christian identity.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
40Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s testimony and followed Jesus.
41He first found his brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated as Christ).
42Andrew brought him to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter).
WEB World English Bible 2000
40One of the two who heard John and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
41He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which is, being interpreted, Christ).
42He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by interpretation, Peter).
KJV King James Version 1769
40One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42And 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.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
40One of the two that heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
41He findeth first his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah (which is, being interpreted, Christ).
42He brought him unto Jesus. Jesus looked upon him, and said, Thou art Simon the son of John: thou shalt be called Cephas (which is by interpretation, Peter).
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
40Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard from John, and followed him;
41this one doth first find his own brother Simon, and saith to him, `We have found the Messiah,' (which is, being interpreted, The Anointed,)
42and he brought him unto Jesus: and having looked upon him, Jesus saith, `Thou art Simon, the son of Jonas, thou shalt be called Cephas,' (which is interpreted, A rock.)
Darby Darby Bible 1890
40Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard [this] from John and followed him.
41He first finds his own brother Simon, and says to him, We have found the Messias (which being interpreted is Christ).
42And he led him to Jesus. Jesus looking at him said, Thou art Simon, the son of Jonas; thou shalt be called Cephas (which interpreted is stone).
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
40And Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who had heard of John and followed him.
41He findeth first his brother Simon and saith to him: We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42And he brought him to Jesus. And Jesus looking upon him, said: Thou art Simon the son of Jona. Thou shalt be called Cephas, which is interpreted Peter.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · John 1:40
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that in the flow of John 1, verses 40, 42 serve as the first concrete example of discipleship in action after the initial encounter with Jesus. Andrew, identified as Simon Peter's brother, is one of two who heard John the Baptist's testimony and followed Jesus. The Cambridge Bible notes that John's characteristic reserve probably leaves the second disciple unnamed because it was John himself. Andrew 'first' (πρῶτον) finds his own brother Simon; Barnes and Calvin agree that the adverb signals both priority in time and the nature of faith: it does not hoard the light but spreads it. Andrew then brings Simon to Jesus. Jesus fixes his gaze on Simon (ἐμβλέψας, a penetrating look, as in verse 36) and declares, 'You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas' (which means Peter, a rock). Clarke and Wesley stress that the name change, like those of Abraham and Sarah, points to a new role and transformed character, a firmness Jesus saw ahead of time. The entire passage is read as a pattern for evangelism: personal encounter leads directly to familial witness.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: Andrew, after hearing John and following Jesus, immediately sought out his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus, who then gave Simon the name Peter, signifying his future role and transformation.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| The meaning of πρῶτον (first) | All commentators agree it indicates Andrew acted quickly and with priority, either before the other disciple or before finding anyone else. | Some (Cambridge Bible, Gill) suggest it means Andrew found his brother before the other unnamed disciple found his; others (Calvin) take it as general eagerness. |
| Identity of the other discipile | Most agree it is likely John himself, given his habit of not naming himself directly (John 13:23; 20:3). | A minority has suggested Thomas (Matthew Henry notes this possibility), but the majority view is the evangelist. |
| Relation to the Synoptic call narratives | This is a preliminary acquaintance in Judea, not the final call in Galilee recorded in Matthew 4 and Mark 1. | Some see a seamless progression (the disciples later returned to fishing and were called again); others see two distinct calls. |
| Significance of the name change to Peter | The new name signifies a new character and role, Jesus sees Simon's potential for firmness and leadership. | In Catholic tradition this name change is linked to Peter's primacy (Matthew 16:18); Protestant commentators emphasize the transformation of character rather than hierarchical office. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The scene takes place near the Jordan River, where John the Baptist was baptizing. The 'tenth hour' (John 1:39) suggests about 4 p.m., the start of the Jewish evening. Andrew and the other disciple had spent time with Jesus; now they go out to share what they have found.
Andrew is identified as Simon Peter's brother, a detail that tells us Peter was already better known when this Gospel was written, probably in the late first century. The Cambridge Bible points out that in church history Simon Peter becomes the towering figure, while Andrew often fades into the background. Yet there would have been no apostle Peter without Andrew's initiative.
Both men were from Bethsaida in Galilee (John 1:44), a fishing town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. They likely knew each other as business partners before becoming disciples. The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 4, Mark 1) record a later call by the sea of Galilee when Jesus summoned them from their fishing nets; this earlier encounter in Judea is a preliminary acquaintance, as Lange notes. Andrew's first act after meeting Jesus is to seek out his brother, an instinct that reveals the Jewish cultural priority of family bonds.
Andrew's exclamation, 'We have found the Messiah,' uses the Greek perfect tense εὑρήκαμεν, 'we have found and still possess.' The term 'Messiah' (Hebrew mashiach) meant 'anointed one,' referring to the promised deliverer. The evangelist translates it into Greek as Christos (Christ) for his wider audience. Jesus' response to Simon is equally pointed: he gives him a new name, Cephas (Aramaic for rock) or Peter (Greek Petros), signaling a new identity and mission. In the ancient world, renaming someone, especially by a superior, marked a decisive change in status and destiny. Here it foreshadows the rock-like steadiness Peter will later display.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant variants that affect the meaning of these verses. One minor textual point: in verse 42, the father of Simon is given in some manuscripts as 'John' (Ἰωάννου) and in others as 'Jonah' (Ἰωνᾶ). The Cambridge Bible observes that the true reading is probably 'John,' and that the Greek form may represent two distinct Hebrew names (Jonah and Johanan). The WEB, ASV and BSB read 'John' while the KJV reads 'Jonas.' This variation does not change the sense of the passage, as both names were in use and Jesus' knowledge of Simon's family is still evident.
Reception History
This passage has been treasured across Christian traditions as the beginning of apostolic witness. In Eastern Orthodoxy, Andrew is honored as the 'First-Called' (Protokletos), and legends trace his missionary journeys to Greece and Scythia. The Western church has focused more on Peter's renaming, seeing it as the foundation of his leadership among the apostles. Preachers from Augustine onward have used Andrew's simple pattern, hear, find, bring, as a model for personal evangelism. Calvin and the Puritans highlighted the natural outflow of faith: those who truly encounter Christ cannot keep silent about him. The passage continues to inspire believers to see their own families as the first mission field, trusting that Christ transforms the ones we bring.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Encounter. Andrew heard John's testimony, followed Jesus, and stayed with him. Personal encounter with Christ is the foundation of all witness.
- Witness. He immediately found his own brother Simon. Faith that receives grace naturally seeks to share it, especially with those closest to us.
- Introduction. Andrew brought Simon to Jesus, not just told about him but facilitated a meeting. Jesus then did the transforming work: the gaze, the name, the promise.
Five-point outline
- Hearing the testimony (v. 40), Andrew had been a disciple of John the Baptist.
- Following Jesus (v. 37), Responding to the invitation to 'come and see.'
- Finding a brother (v. 41), Seeking out his own family member first.
- Telling the good news (v. 41), 'We have found the Messiah.'
- Bringing to Jesus (v. 42), Leading Simon into Christ's presence, where the re-naming happens.
Illustration hooks
- A friend who recommends a restaurant after eating there: they don't just describe the menu; they offer to take you. Andrew does that with Simon.
- A family member who discovers a cure for a shared illness and runs to tell the others. The news is too good to keep private.
- A child who finds a lost toy and immediately shouts for a sibling to come see, instinctive, joyful, inclusive.
Questions your congregation is asking
- How can I share my faith with family members who are resistant or uninterested?
- What if I don't feel ready or knowledgeable enough to tell others about Jesus?
- Does my excitement about Jesus naturally lead me to invite others, or have I grown comfortable keeping my faith private?
Leading a Discussion
These verses record the very first act of Christian witness after Jesus began gathering disciples. Andrew had heard John the Baptist point to Jesus as the Lamb of God. He had spent time with Jesus. Now he goes looking for his brother. Watch how the pattern works: encounter, announcement, invitation. Jesus does the rest.
Discussion questions
- Read verses 40-42. Andrew is identified as Simon Peter's brother. Why do you think John mentions this relationship? How does it shape your reading of the passage?
- Andrew says, 'We have found the Messiah.' What does that title mean, and why would it be so significant for a Jewish hearer? (Consider the OT promises of a coming anointed king.)
- The Greek verb for 'found' (εὑρήκαμεν) is in the perfect tense: 'we have found and still have.' How does this affect the way Andrew speaks, with certainty and joy?
- Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. He did not just tell him about Jesus. Why is the act of bringing someone into personal contact with Christ so important? Can we do that today, and how?
- Jesus looked at Simon and gave him a new name: Cephas/Peter. What does this renaming signify? Why does it matter that Jesus initiated the name change?
- The commentaries note that later, in Galilee, Jesus would call these same men again (Matthew 4:18-22). Why do you think there were two calls? What does this say about following Jesus as a process?
- Think of someone God has placed in your life who does not yet know Jesus. What one step could you take this week to 'bring them', even in a small way, closer to him?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Matthew 4:18 | Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. |
| Matthew 4:22 | They immediately left the boat and their father, and followed him. |
| Matthew 10:2 | Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother; |
| Mark 1:16 | Passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. |
| Mark 1:20 | Immediately he called them, and they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him. |
| Luke 5:2 | He saw two boats standing by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. |
| Luke 5:11 | When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything, and followed him. |
| John 6:8 | One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke highlights that discovering the Gospel immediately stirs a person to share it with others, especially those in their own household. He sees Andrew's first act after finding Jesus as the natural pattern: one who has found Christ brings his own brother. He also notes that the name Cephas means a stone, a title given to Simon for reasons explained elsewhere in Scripture.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes highlights Andrew's active initiative: he did not wait for his brother to come but went and told him about Jesus. This illustrates that genuine faith naturally seeks to share the Savior with others, especially family. Barnes also notes that Jesus gave Simon the name Peter, meaning rock, foreknowing his future steadiness despite his earlier impulsiveness.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin highlights that Andrew, though a lesser figure, brought the more eminent Peter to Christ, teaching that no one should refuse to be taught by an inferior. He also stresses that Christ's renaming of Simon as Peter was a prediction of future steadfastness, not a comment on what he was at that moment.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator stresses that without Andrew bringing his brother, there might never have been an Apostle Peter. Church History lifts Peter above Andrew, yet John’s Gospel shows Andrew as the one who consistently leads others to Christ, quietly shaping the apostolic circle.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note highlights Andrew as the one who first brought his own brother Simon to Jesus after recognizing the Messiah. Jesus' act of renaming Simon to Cephas, meaning a stone, signals the personal authority and transformation that comes through encountering Christ.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights that Andrew, not Peter, was the first disciple to recognize and bring someone to Jesus, a detail that challenges later claims about Peter's primacy. He also notes that Jesus' knowledge of Simon's name and father, followed by renaming him Cephas (a stone), displayed divine omniscience and foretold Simon's future steadfastness.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange sees the open heaven promised to Nathanael as the fulfillment of Jacob's dream, but now a continuous reality in Christ. Where Jacob saw a ladder in a fleeting vision, the Son of Man himself becomes the permanent meeting place between heaven and earth, with angels constantly ascending and descending upon him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry notes that what finally moved the disciples to follow Jesus was hearing John call Him the Lamb of God who takes away sin. For him, the strongest argument that wins a thoughtful soul to Christ is not any other power but the simple truth that He alone removes sin.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley highlights that Jesus, without being told, addressed Simon by his own name and his father's name Jonah. This knowledge, Wesley argues, would have struck Peter powerfully. He also notes the name change to Cephas or Peter means a rock in both Syriac and Greek.