Étude 1 sur 17 · Les premiers disciples

  1. Étude 1 : Les premiers disciples
  2. Étude 2 : La rencontre avec Philippe
  3. Étude 3 : Un passage à Capernaüm
  4. Étude 4 : La confirmation de l’appel des disciples
  5. Étude 5 : La première pêche miraculeuse
  6. Étude 6 : Guérison de la belle-mère de l’Apôtre Pierre
  7. Étude 7 : Nombreuses guérisons en soirée
  8. Study 8: The feast given by Levi
  9. Étude 9 : Le choix des 12 Apôtres
  10. Étude 10 : La multiplication des pains pour les 5000 personnes
  11. Étude 11 : Les questions des étrangers au Messie Jésus
  12. Étude 12 : Le discours eschatologique sur le Mont des Oliviers
  13. Étude 13 : Guérison de la belle-mère de Pierre
  14. Étude 14 : La découverte de Pierre ?
  15. Étude 15 : La rencontre de Jésus et Pierre ?
  16. Étude 16 : Le retour et l’attente des disciples
  17. Étude 17 : Multiplication des pains et des poissons

The ministry of John the Baptist

  • 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!
    Read more
  • 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.
    Read more
  • A visit to Capernaum

    After the wedding at Cana, Jesus the Messiah visits Capernaum with his family around 1 December 29. Only John reports this episode (John 2:12). He meets his disciples Peter, Andrew, James and John there and befriends Zebedee and Salome. This town later becomes the headquarters of his Galilean ministry. After this visit, he returns to Nazareth before joining John the Baptist at Aenon.

    John 2.12 (King James Version) :
    After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
    Read more

The beginning of the ministry in Galilee

  • 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.
    Read more
  • The First Miraculous Catch of Fish

    Pericope 55 recounts the first miraculous catch of fish, reported only by Luke (Luke 5:1-11), at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. After a fruitless night of fishing, Jesus tells Simon Peter to cast the nets, producing an extraordinary catch. This miraculous act, distinct from the one in John 21, seems to have enabled the disciples to provide for their families before leaving everything to follow Jesus, illustrating the divine providence that accompanies every calling.

    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.
    Read more
  • Healing of the apostle Peter’s mother-in-law

    This article examines Jesus' healing of Peter's mother-in-law in the town of Capernaum in Galilee. This miracle, reported in three Gospels, sheds light on Simon Peter's family and social setting, illustrating Jesus' power over illness and his consistency with Jewish religious practices.

    Mark 1.29-31 (King James Version) :
    And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
    Read more
  • Many healings in the evening

    This article explains an episode in the Gospels in which Jesus heals several people in Capernaum, illustrating his divine power and authority. This event takes place after the Sabbath, drawing a crowd filled with admiration and intrigued by his deeds.

    Luke 4.40-41 (King James Version) :
    Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.
    Read more
  • 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.
    Read more

From the second to the third Passover festival

  • The choosing of the 12 Apostles

    Jesus chooses twelve disciples from among his followers and gives them the title of apostles, a Greek term meaning ‘sent on a mission’. This choice, made after a night of prayer, corresponds to the number of Israel's tribes. The Twelve receive authority to heal and proclaim salvation, forming the foundation of the future Church. The article explores the term's etymology, Jesus' prayer, the question of his omniscience and the case of Judas Iscariot.

    Luke 6.12-16 (King James Version) :
    And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon called Zelotes,And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
    Read more

From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week

  • The multiplication of the loaves for the 5,000 people

    The multiplication of the loaves for 5,000 men is a miracle attested by all four evangelists, set near Bethsaida in April AD 32. With only five loaves and two fish, Jesus feeds an immense crowd, illustrating his divine power and his shepherd's compassion, and foreshadowing the Eucharist. The twelve baskets left over symbolize the abundance of the Kingdom of God.

    Matthew 14.13-21 (King James Version) :
    When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.He said, Bring them hither to me.And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.
    Read more

The last week before the arrest

  • The questions of the foreigners to the Messiah Jesus

    An episode unique to John (John 12.20-50), set on Holy Tuesday in the Court of the Gentiles. Some Greeks ask to see Jesus, which triggers the announcement of the hour of his glorification. Through the image of the grain of wheat, Jesus reveals that his death is the source of universal life. The cross is presented as a glorious lifting up that draws all people to him, opening salvation to all nations.

    John 12.20-22 (King James Version) :
    And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
    Read more
  • The eschatological discourse on the Mount of Olives

    Analysis of Jesus’ eschatological discourse on the Mount of Olives, based on the Gospels. Jesus speaks of the destruction of the Temple and the coming of the end times, revealing his prophetic abilities and the continuity of his mission after the crucifixion. Intended for readers who wish to deepen their theological understanding.

    Matthew 24.1-31 (King James Version) :
    And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.All these are the beginning of sorrows.Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.Behold, I have told you before.Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
    Read more

Healings

  • Healing of Peter's mother-in-law

    This article discusses the miracle of the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, as recounted in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It highlights Jesus’ healing power and his compassion for the sick, with the accounts emphasizing different aspects of this event. Jesus immediately heals Peter’s mother-in-law, and she then begins to serve them. The unique perspectives of the Gospels enrich our understanding of this miraculous act.

    Mark 1.29-31 (King James Version) :
    And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
    Read more

Contradictions

  • Peter’s discovery?

    Article CTD012 addresses an alleged contradiction between John 1.41 and Matthew 16.17 concerning Peter's discovery of Jesus' messianic identity. These two passages actually describe two complementary stages: an initial human announcement made by Andrew, followed by an inward divine revelation confirmed by Jesus himself. Peter's faith is a gradual journey, not a single event.

    Matthew 16.17 (King James Version) :
    And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
    Read more
  • Jesus’ meeting with Peter?

    Article CTD013 addresses a classic objection: where did Jesus first meet Peter and Andrew? Matthew places the encounter in Galilee, John on the banks of the Jordan. The article demonstrates that these are two distinct stages: an initial encounter in Judea (John), followed by a definitive call in Galilee (Matthew). The two accounts are complementary, not contradictory, and illustrate the gradual development of the disciples' calling.

    Matthew 4.20 (King James Version) :
    And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
    Read more

Peter's ministry

  • The disciples' return and wait

    After the ascension of Jesus (May 12, 33), the disciples return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a "Sabbath day's journey" away. They gather in an upper room, probably the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, and devote themselves unanimously to prayer, together with the women and the family of Jesus. This period of waiting foreshadows the characteristics of the nascent Church.

    Luke 8.1-3 (King James Version) :
    And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
    Read more

Miracles

  • Multiplication of the loaves and fish

    The multiplication of the loaves and fish is a miracle recorded in the Gospels in which Jesus feeds a crowd of thousands with just five loaves and two fish. This story symbolises Jesus' compassion and divine power, while highlighting the importance of faith and recognition of his true spiritual role.

    Mark 6.30-44 (King James Version) :
    And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.And they did all eat, and were filled.And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
    Read more
Further reading
  • ANN008 The Gospel of Matthew

    The Gospel of Matthew is the work of the apostle, a former tax collector from Capernaum, chosen by the Twelve to record their collective testimony. He seeks to show…

  • 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…

  • ANN029 The conflict between John’s and Jesus’ followers

    This article addresses the tensions between the disciples of John the Baptist and those of Jesus, two central biblical figures, highlighting their ministries…

  • ANN047 Origins of the 12 apostles

    The appendix ANN047 studies the origin of the twelve apostles on the basis of the four canonical lists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts). It analyzes the convergences and divergences between…