The Order of Things

Q: What would be the chronological order of these verses? Mark 1:16-17 (Jesus finds Simon and Andrew near the Sea of Galilee fishing, and they become his disciples.) John 1:35-42 (John the Baptist and two of his disciples, one of which is Andrew, sees Jesus. The two disciples follow Jesus and stay with him for a day, and Andrew tells his brother, Simon, and brings him to Jesus. Andrew and Simon become Jesus' disciples.)

A: Thank you for your question. Your question is an interesting one for sure. It is my understanding that the apostle John was the only one of the Gospel writers who wrote about the early ministry of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it would stand to reason that the events of John 1:35-42 took place prior to the events of Mark 1:16-17.  The events from John 1:35-42 to Mark 1:16-17 are as follows. In the interest of space, not all the passages will be written out.

John 1:35-42 JESUS CALLS THE FIRST DISCIPLES:   "The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, "What are you seeking?" And they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and you will see." So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter)."

John 1:43-52 JESUS CALLS PHILIP AND NATHANAEL

John 2:1-12 JESUS TURNS WATER INTO WINE AT THE WEDDING IN CANA

John 2:13-25 JESUS DRIVES MERCHANTS FROM THE TEMPLE

John 3:1-21 JESUS TEACHES NICODEMUS

John 3:22-24 JOHN THE BAPTIST EXALTS JESUS

John 4:1-3 JESUS LEAVES FOR GALILEE

John 4:4-26 JESUS AND THE WOMAN AT THE WELL

John 4:27-38 JESUS TEACHES ON SPIRITUAL FOOD

John 4:39-42 MANY SAMARITANS BELIEVE IN JESUS

John 4:43-45 JESUS RETURNS TO GALILEE

John 4:46-54 JESUS HEALS AN OFFICIAL'S SON

Luke 3:19-20 JOHN THE BAPTIST IMPRISONED

Matthew 4:12-17; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:14-15 JESUS PREACHES THE COMING OF THE KINGDOM

Luke 4:16-30 JESUS IS REJECTED AT NAZARETH

Luke 5:1-10 DISCIPLES CATCH LARGE AMOUNT OF FISH PER THE INSTRUCTION OF JESUS

Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:10-11 SIMON, ANDREW, JAMES AND JOHN "Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him."


Reading the events in chronological order will help you see the Bible in a different light. It will read more like a book which may help you better understand the events as they unfold. There are multiple resources available for you that can help you in your study of God's Word. As with anything you use to help you study the Bible be careful not to substitute what the resources reveal for the clear teaching of the Lord. After all, He is the Author of the Bible and the Teacher of His Word. May God continue to reveal to you the blessings you have in Christ Jesus our Lord. Grace and Peace.