John 1:40

One of the two that heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

It is incorrect to find in this prior mention of Andrew any diminution of the place and honor ascribed to the apostle Peter in the New Testament; because, despite the fact that the simple chronology of events required Andrew's being named first; even so, he was introduced as Simon Peter's brother. Also, the special recognition of Peter by the Lord is evident in this paragraph which records the giving of the new name to Peter.

Here in this chapter is recorded where it all began. The apostle John and Simon Peter's brother Andrew were the first disciples of the Lord Jesus; and John's detailed account of the events and circumstances of those four days which began with the deputation to John the Baptist from Jerusalem is of the greatest interest and significance. Like the tiny stream that issues from Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to become the mighty Father of Waters (the Mississippi River), this first hesitant and timid approach to Jesus reveals the intimate and personal beginning of that stream of numberless millions swelling the ranks of his disciples in all ages.