Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

John 1:35

τῇ ἐπ. π. The next day again; referring to John 1:29. Thus far we have three days, full of moment to the Evangelist and the Church. On the first the Messiah is proclaimed as already present; on the second He is pointed out; on the third He is followed. In each case the Baptist takes the lead; it is by his own act and will that he decreases while Jesus increases.

The difference between this narrative and that of the Synoptists (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16; Luke 5:2) is satisfactorily explained by supposing this to refer to an earlier and less formal call of these first four disciples, John and Andrew, Peter and James. Their call to be Apostles was a very gradual one. Two of them, and perhaps all four, began by being disciples of the Baptist, who directs them to the Lamb of God (John 1:36), Who invites them to His abode (John 1:39): they then witness His miracles (John 2:2, &c.); are next called to be ‘fishers of men’ (Matthew 4:19); and are finally enrolled with the rest of the Twelve as Apostles (Mark 3:13). Their readiness to follow Jesus, as recorded by the Synoptists, implies previous acquaintance with Him, as recorded by S. John. See note on Mark 1:20.

ἐκ τῶν μαθ. αὐτοῦ δύο. One of these was Andrew (John 1:40); the other was no doubt S. John. The account is that of an eyewitness; and his habitual reserve with regard to himself accounts for his silence, if the other disciple was himself. If it was someone else, it is difficult to see why S. John pointedly omits his name.

There was strong antecedent probability that the first followers of Christ would be disciples of the Baptist. The fact of their being so is one reason for the high honour in which the Baptist has been held from the earliest times by the Church.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

John 1:35

Old Testament

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