Now it came to pass, while the multitude pressed upon Him to hear the word of God, that He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, or Sea of Galilee. And He saw two boats moored by the lake shore; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Then entering into one of the boats, which was Simon's, He asked him to launch forth a little from the land. And sitting down, He taught the multitude from the boat.

Now when He ceased speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch forth into the deep and lower your nets for a draught." And Simon answering said, "Master, we toiled through the whole night, yet we took nothing; but at Thy word, I will lower the nets."

And having done this, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their nets were breaking; and they beckoned to their partners in the other boat, to come and help them. And they came and they filled both boats, so that they began to sink. Then Simon Peter seeing it, fell down at the knees of Jesus, saying, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For astonishment seized him and all those with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken, and also James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." And having brought the boats to land, they left all and followed Him.