Two of John the Baptist"s disciples started following Jesus because of John"s witness. This was perfectly proper since John"s ministry was to point others to Jesus. They were not abandoning the Baptist for a more popular teacher. They were simply doing what John urged his hearers to do. They began following Jesus physically to learn from Him. They also took the first steps toward genuine discipleship. This was no tentative inquiry but a giving of themselves to Him as disciples. [1][source]
Context Summary
John 1:35-42 - How Jesus Wins Followers
On this third day John again looked eagerly and wistfully on Jesus as He walked. He spoke of Him again as God's Lamb, and there was a significance in His words that was instantly detected by the two disciples-probably John and Andrew-who stood beside him. He intended to transfer their allegiance from himself to the Lord. Henceforth they were to behold Him. So, at least, they understood it. We are told that they followed Jesus. As the preacher watched their retreating figures and realized that His work was done, he had no feeling of jealousy or regret. He was the bridegroom's friend, and rejoiced greatly to hear His voice, John 3:29. Notice how our Lord develops men. He invites them to His familiar friendship-Come and see, and He looks deep down into their hearts, detecting capacities and possibilities that were hidden even from themselves, but which He helps them to realize: Thou shalt be called Cephas, a "rock." [source]
Chapter Summary: John 1
1The divinity, humanity, office, and incarnation of Jesus Christ 15The testimony of John 39The calling of Simon and Andrew, Philip and Nathanael
Greek Commentary for John 1:37
Heard him speak [ηκουσαν αυτου λαλουντος] First active indicative of ακουω akouō and present active participle of λαλεω laleō in genitive case agreeing with αυτου autou object of ακουω akouō “Heard him speaking” (kind of indirect discourse). John had disciples They followed Jesus Associative instrumental case after verb (first aorist active indicative, ingressive aorist, of ακολουτεω akoloutheō). These two disciples of the Baptist (Andrew and John) took him at his word and acted on it. John the Baptist had predicted and portrayed the Messiah, had baptized him, had interpreted him, and now for the second time had identified him. [source]
They followed [] Bengel says, “The origin of the Christian Church.” [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 1:37
John 1:38Turned [στραπεις] Second aorist passive participle of στρεπω strephō vividly picturing the sudden act of Jesus on hearing their steps behind him. Beheld First aorist middle participle of τεαομαι theaomai (John 1:32). Both participles here express antecedent action to λεγει legei (saith). Following Present active participle of ακολουτεω akoloutheō (John 1:37). It was Christ‘s first experience of this kind and the two came from the Baptist to Jesus. What seek ye? Not “whom” Aramaic title for “Teacher” which John here translates by Διδασκαλε Didaskale as he is writing late and for general readers. Luke, a Greek Christian, does not use it, but John recalls his first use of this term to Jesus and explains it. Matthew has it only in the greeting of Judas to the Master (Matthew 26:25,Matthew 26:49) and Mark once by Judas (Mark 14:45) and twice by Peter (Mark 9:5; Mark 11:21). John‘s Gospel has the disciples at first addressing Jesus by Rabbi while others address him by Κυριε Kurie (Lord or Sir) as in John 4:11,John 4:49; John 5:7. Peter uses Κυριε Kurie in John 6:68. In the end the disciples usually say Κυριε Kurie (John 13:6,John 13:25, etc.), but Mary Magdalene says αββουνει Rabbounei (John 20:16). Being interpreted Present passive participle of μετερμηνευω methermēneuō late compound of μετα meta and ερμηνευω hermēneuō to explain (John 1:42), old word from ερμες Hermes the god of speech (hermeneutics). John often explains Aramaic words (John 1:38,John 1:41,John 1:42; John 4:25; John 9:7, etc.). Where abidest thou? They wished a place for quiet converse with Jesus. [source]
Greek Commentary for John 1:37
First active indicative of ακουω akouō and present active participle of λαλεω laleō in genitive case agreeing with αυτου autou object of ακουω akouō “Heard him speaking” (kind of indirect discourse). John had disciples They followed Jesus Associative instrumental case after verb (first aorist active indicative, ingressive aorist, of ακολουτεω akoloutheō). These two disciples of the Baptist (Andrew and John) took him at his word and acted on it. John the Baptist had predicted and portrayed the Messiah, had baptized him, had interpreted him, and now for the second time had identified him. [source]
Literally, speaking. [source]
Bengel says, “The origin of the Christian Church.” [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 1:37
Second aorist passive participle of στρεπω strephō vividly picturing the sudden act of Jesus on hearing their steps behind him. Beheld First aorist middle participle of τεαομαι theaomai (John 1:32). Both participles here express antecedent action to λεγει legei (saith). Following Present active participle of ακολουτεω akoloutheō (John 1:37). It was Christ‘s first experience of this kind and the two came from the Baptist to Jesus. What seek ye? Not “whom” Aramaic title for “Teacher” which John here translates by Διδασκαλε Didaskale as he is writing late and for general readers. Luke, a Greek Christian, does not use it, but John recalls his first use of this term to Jesus and explains it. Matthew has it only in the greeting of Judas to the Master (Matthew 26:25, Matthew 26:49) and Mark once by Judas (Mark 14:45) and twice by Peter (Mark 9:5; Mark 11:21). John‘s Gospel has the disciples at first addressing Jesus by Rabbi while others address him by Κυριε Kurie (Lord or Sir) as in John 4:11, John 4:49; John 5:7. Peter uses Κυριε Kurie in John 6:68. In the end the disciples usually say Κυριε Kurie (John 13:6, John 13:25, etc.), but Mary Magdalene says αββουνει Rabbounei (John 20:16). Being interpreted Present passive participle of μετερμηνευω methermēneuō late compound of μετα meta and ερμηνευω hermēneuō to explain (John 1:42), old word from ερμες Hermes the god of speech (hermeneutics). John often explains Aramaic words (John 1:38, John 1:41, John 1:42; John 4:25; John 9:7, etc.). Where abidest thou? They wished a place for quiet converse with Jesus. [source]