⁴⁰ Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. ⁴¹ The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).^{(A) 42} And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called^(B) Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter^[a]).^(C)

²⁵ An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.^{(A) 26} They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi,^(B) that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified^(C) about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

²⁷ To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. ²⁸ You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’^{(D) 29} The bride belongs to the bridegroom.^(E) The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.^{(F) 30} He must become greater; I must become less.”^[a]

²⁵ The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ)^(A) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

²⁶ Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”^(B)

The Disciples Rejoin Jesus

²⁷ Just then his disciples returned^(C) and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

²⁸ Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ²⁹ “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did.^(D) Could this be the Messiah?”^{(E) 30} They came out of the town and made their way toward him.