After the people of Nazareth try to take Jesus’ life, he moves to the city of Capernaum, near the Sea of Galilee, also called “the lake of Gennesaret.” (Luke 5:1) This fulfills the prophecy in the book of Isaiah that people of Galilee dwelling by the sea would see a great light.​—Isaiah 9:1, 2.

Yes, here in Galilee, Jesus continues to announce that “the Kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” (Matthew 4:17) Jesus finds four of his disciples. They had traveled with him earlier, but upon returning with Jesus from Judea, they resumed their fishing business. (John 1:35-42) Now, though, it is time to be with Jesus constantly so that he can train them to carry on the ministry after he is gone.

As Jesus walks along the seashore, he sees Simon Peter, his brother Andrew, and some of their companions tending to their nets. Jesus goes over, climbs into Peter’s boat, and asks him to pull away from land. When they get out a little distance, Jesus sits down and begins teaching the crowds who had gathered on the shore truths about the Kingdom.

Afterward, Jesus says to Peter: “Pull out to where it is deep, and let down your nets for a catch.” Peter responds: “Instructor, we toiled all night and caught nothing, but at your word I will lower the nets.”​—Luke 5:4, 5.

They lower the nets and catch such a great number of fish that the nets begin to rip! Urgently, the men motion to their partners in a boat nearby to come and help. Soon both boats are filled with so many fish that the heavily laden vessels begin to sink. Seeing this, Peter falls down before Jesus and says: “Depart from me, Lord, because I am a sinful man.” Jesus responds: “Stop being afraid. From now on you will be catching men alive.”​—Luke 5:8, 10.

Jesus tells Peter and Andrew: “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) He includes two other fishermen, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They too respond without hesitation. So these four abandon their fishing business and become the first full-time disciples of Jesus.

Jesus has invited four disciples​—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—​to be fishers of men. Now, on the Sabbath, they all go to a local synagogue in Capernaum. Jesus teaches in the synagogue, and again the people are astounded at his manner of teaching. He does so as one having authority and not as the scribes.

On this Sabbath a demonized man is present. Right there in the synagogue, the man shouts in a loud voice: “What have we to do with you, Jesus the Nazarene? Did you come to destroy us? I know exactly who you are, the Holy One of God!” Rebuking the demon who is controlling the man, Jesus says: “Be silent, and come out of him!”​—Mark 1:24, 25.

At that, the wicked spirit throws the man to the ground in a convulsion and yells at the top of its voice. But the demon comes out of the man “without hurting him.” (Luke 4:35) The people around him in the synagogue are simply astonished! “What is this?” they ask. “He authoritatively orders even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” (Mark 1:27) Understandably, the news about this impressive event spreads throughout all Galilee.

Leaving the synagogue, Jesus and his disciples go to the home of Simon, or Peter. There Peter’s mother-in-law is very sick with a high fever. They beg Jesus to help her. So Jesus goes over, takes her by the hand, and raises her up. Right away she is cured and begins to wait on Jesus and the disciples there with him, perhaps preparing a meal for them.

About sunset, people from all over come to Peter’s house with their sick ones. Soon it seems that the whole city is gathered at the door. Why? They are seeking a cure. In fact, ‘all those who had people sick with various diseases bring them to him. And laying his hands on each one of them, he cures them.’ (Luke 4:40) Yes, no matter what their diseases are, Jesus helps them, just as was foretold. (Isaiah 53:4) He even frees those who are demon-possessed. As the wicked spirits come out, they shout: “You are the Son of God.” (Luke 4:41) But Jesus rebukes them and does not allow them to speak anymore. They know that Jesus is the Christ, and he does not want them to put on the appearance of serving the true God.