4:18–22 The Sea of Galilee (also called Gennesaret, Luke 5:1, and Tiberias, John 21:1) is a pear-shaped lake measuring 13 miles north to south and eight miles east to west. It lies 680 feet below sea level in a very warm climate. The surrounding countryside is fertile. Josephus reports that in the time of Christ nine cities lined its shores and its waters were crowded with fishermen.

Walking along the lake Jesus sees two brothers, Simon and Andrew, at work casting their net for fish. Simon (who was given the name “Peter” at Caesarea Philippi, 16:18) and Andrew were originally from the town of Bethsaida on the north side of the lake where the Jordan River enters (John 1:44). At this time, however, it appears that they were living in Cap…