← Life and ministry of Jesus

Calling of the Disciples

  • CTD037 Matthew's real name?

    The article discusses the identity of the disciple Matthew, also called Levi in some Gospels. It explains that this variation in name reflects 1st-century naming practices, when people often had several names depending on their social and religious contexts.

    Mark 2.14 (King James Version) :
    And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphæus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PDA004 The great choice of our lives

    The article explores the crucial decision to follow Jesus despite the difficulties. Peter chooses the path of deep commitment to Jesus, favoring eternal values over immediate material blessings, unlike others who turn away. Stressing the importance of choosing the narrow path that leads to eternal life, the article urges us to put God first in order to succeed in our spiritual life and attain true salvation.

    Matthew 13.44 (King James Version) :
    Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER033 The first disciples

    The article examines Jesus’ first meeting with his earliest disciples, reported only by John. Andrew and John recognise Jesus as the Messiah and decide to follow him. A significant moment is Jesus’ transformation of Simon Peter’s identity, marking their commitment. This account offers a unique perspective absent from the Synoptic Gospels.

    John 19.14 (King James Version) :
    And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Audience: Beginners

  • PER034 The encounter with Philip

    PER034 recounts Jesus’ meeting with Philip, reported only by John (Jn 1:43–46), at Bethany beyond the Jordan on 6 October 29. Philip, formerly a disciple of John the Baptist like Andrew, John and Simon Peter, becomes Jesus’ fourth disciple. The article explores these disciples’ natural transition to the Messiah, with John the Baptist understanding himself as a forerunner rather than a rival teacher.

    John 1.43-46 (King James Version) :
    The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER054 Confirmation of the disciples’ calling

    On the shores of the Sea of Galilee, around March 31, Jesus confirms the call of four fishermen: Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John. Unlike the first call at Bethany, he now invites them to leave everything behind and devote themselves exclusively to evangelism. Their immediate and total response reflects a trust built up over the months spent at his side. Matthew (4:18-22) and Mark (1:16-20) report this foundational episode of the Galilean ministry.

    Matthew 4.18-22 (King James Version) :
    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.And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER061 The disciple's dedication

    The article explores the dedication of Jesus' disciples, examining the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It discusses the challenges and trials involved in choosing to follow Jesus, the Messiah's spiritual discernment, and the disciples' family obligations. Set in Galilee, it highlights the impact of Jesus' innovative ministry.

    Luke 9.57-62 (King James Version) :
    And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER066 The calling of another disciple, Matthew

    The article examines Jesus' calling of Matthew, highlighting his unique role among the disciples as the future writer of the Gospel. Matthew leaves his work as a tax collector to follow Christ after having known him previously, probably through John the Baptist. This calling is significant because it makes Matthew a crucial spokesman for the apostles.

    Matthew 9.9 (King James Version) :
    And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER067 The feast given by Levi

    Matthew, also called Levi, holds a feast to mark his calling by Jesus. This banquet highlights Jesus' inclusive mission, as he is welcomed by those who are often rejected. The event is recounted in the Synoptic Gospels and symbolises Matthew's impact on those around him.

    Acts 1.13 (King James Version) :
    And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER210 The reaction of James and John

    During Jesus’ journey through Samaria, James and John, the “sons of thunder,” propose calling down fire from heaven on a hostile Samaritan village. Jesus sternly rebukes them, reminding them that he came to save people, not to destroy them. This episode, reported only by Luke (Lk 9.54-56), illustrates the Jewish-Samaritan tensions and the gradual formation of the disciples toward a spirit of mercy.

    Mark 3.17 (King James Version) :
    And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER238 The demanding consecration of the disciple

    The pericope 238 reports a teaching unique to Luke (14.25-27) on the demands of discipleship. On the road to Bethany, after December 4, 32, the Messiah Jesus addresses a great crowd: following the Messiah means giving him absolute priority over every human relationship ('hate' in the Semitic sense) and agreeing to carry one's cross, that is, to embrace suffering and rejection in order to remain faithful. A total commitment, without compromise.

    Luke 14.25-27 (King James Version) :
    And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Further reading
  • ANN021 The disciples’ callings

    The article analyzes the different Gospel accounts of the calling of Jesus' first disciples, showing that these narratives do not contradict one another but…