Center Stage

^[12] When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. ^[13] Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali- ^[14] to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: ^[15] “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles- ^[16] the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” ^[17] From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” ^[18] As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ^[19] “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ^[20] At once they left their nets and followed him. ^[21] Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, ^[22] and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. ^[23] Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. ^[24] News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. ^[25] Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.