5:1 | Now it happened that, when the crowds pressed toward him, so that they might hear the word of God, he was standing beside the lake of Genesaret. |
5:2 | And he saw two boats standing beside the lake. But the fishermen had climbed down, and they were washing their nets. |
5:3 | And so, climbing into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, he asked him to draw back a little from the land. And sitting down, he taught the crowds from the boat. |
5:4 | Then, when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, “Lead us into deep water, and release your nets for a catch.” |
5:5 | And in response, Simon said to him: “Teacher, working throughout the night, we caught nothing. But on your word, I will release the net.” |
5:6 | And when they had done this, they enclosed such a copious multitude of fish that their net was rupturing. |
5:7 | And they signaled to their associates, who were in the other boat, so that they would come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they were nearly submerged. |
5:8 | But when Simon Peter had seen this, he fell down at the knees of Jesus, saying, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” |
5:9 | For astonishment had enveloped him, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish that they had taken. |
5:10 | Now the same was true of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were associates of Simon. And Jesus said to Simon: “Do not be afraid. From now on, you will be catching men.” |
5:11 | And having led their boats to land, leaving behind everything, they followed him. |