John 1:37

Followed. Gr. akoloulthed, “to follow,” probably not yet in the sense of becoming disciples (John 8:12; 10:4, 27; 12:26; 21:19, 20, 22; see on Matt. 4:19). Here, Andrew and John “followed” Jesus in the sense that they recognized Him to be “the Lamb of God” (John 1:36). Andrew and John were the first followers. Soon Peter, Philip, and Nathanael (Bartholomew) joined them (see John 1:40, 43, 45; see on Mark 3:16-18). The followers did not at this time permanently discontinue their usual occupation and become disciples in the full sense of the word. Not until more than a year later, in the spring of A.D. 29, did they receive the call to permanent discipleship (see on Luke 5:1, 11). Only then could it be said that “they forsook all, and followed him” (Luke 5:11). The formal appointment of the Twelve came even later, during the summer of the same year (see on Mark 3:14).