1 IT happened that, as the crowd was pressing upon him and listening to the word of God, he was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret,

2 and he saw two boats by the shore. The fishermen had gone away from them and were washing their nets.

3 He got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to push off a little from the land. Then, sitting down, he taught the people from the boat.

4 When he ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Push out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch."

5 Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night and caught nothing. But at your word I will let down the nets."

6 When they had done this, they enclosed a great mass of fishes and their nets began to break.

7 They beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and take hold with them. They came, and both the boats were filled so that they began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell down on his knees before Jesus and said, "Leave my boat and me, Sir, for I am a sinful man."

9 For amazement seized him and all those who were with him at the catch of fishes they had taken.

10 It was just the same with James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. But Jesus said to Simon, "Never fear; from now on you will be catching men."

11 Then they brought their boats to land and left all and followed him.