He would have had a typical education for a Hebrew boy in Galilee. That education consisted of early schooling at the Synagogue. It usually lasted until about 10 - 12 years old and was centered on Torah - the Hebrew scriptures. If a boy was particularly interested, and able, he would go on to the next level. Still at Synagogue, he would listen to the rabbis discuss and debate Torah and the prophets - continuing to memorize scripture. If a boy was not particularly interested or able, he would go home to learn the family business and take his place alongside his father and other family members to make a living for the family. After this second level of education, those boys who were passionate about Torah - who showed a gift for learning and understanding Torah - they would go out in search of a rabbi to "follow". "Following" meant they boys would then walk with the chosen rabbi. They would be with him 24/7 - going everywhere he went, listening to everything he said, doing what he did - trying to "be" like the rabbi. There was an interview process through which the rabbi would decide if that young man had the passion and the ability to be his disciple. Only after that, if the rabbi deemed the young man worthy, would the chosen rabbi say, "Follow me". Now, and only now, was the young man his "disciple". After years of following the chosen rabbi - there would come a day when the rabbi would say to the disciple - "You are ready. Now, go and make disciples."
We don't know how much education Peter had. All we know is that he is fishing - in the family business. So, what does that tell you about him? In the book of Acts, some people describe him as being "uneducated". I wonder when Peter's training at the Synagogue stopped. Was it after the first level? Did he return to learn the family business at about 12 years old? We don't know. But he was fishing.
Read Mark 1: 14 - 18 and Luke 5: 1 - 11
As you observe these details, create the scenario in your mind.
Now read John 1: 35 - 42
What do these details add to your knowledge of Peter, the man?
Jesus saw something in Peter (and Andrew, James and John) - something that made them stand out to Him. I think they knew each other. I think Peter had been listening to this local 'rabbi'. I think there was some familiarity. And I think Peter was honest enough to see himself, compared to Jesus, as a sinful man. And Jesus says to him, "You - follow me". That is discipleship language. And Peter chooses to "follow".
Do you remember Jesus' words to His disciples in John 15:16? Jesus is preparing them for His death and departure, and he says,
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last.
And Jesus comes to you as well. He stepped into history and said,
If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.
So the question comes to us as well. Do we want to be a "disciple"? Do we want to walk and live with the Rabbi Jesus, consumed with a passion to become like Him? It is as pertinent a question for us as it was in the first century. Peter "immediately" said "yes". What do you say?
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