Luke Chapter 5 — Jesus Calls Disciples and Heals the Sick
Jesus calls His first disciples after a miraculous catch of fish and demonstrates His authority to forgive sins by healing a paralyzed man.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
Luke 5:8
“But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.””
This verse highlights Peter's immediate recognition of Jesus' divinity and his own humility.
Luke 5:24
“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, arise, take up your cot, and go to your house.””
It explicitly links Jesus' miraculous healing power to His divine authority to grant forgiveness.
Luke 5:32
“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
This statement serves as a concise summary of Jesus' mission and purpose on earth.
Chapter Summary
Luke Chapter 5 opens with Jesus teaching a multitude from Simon Peter’s boat on the Lake of Gennesaret. After directing Peter to cast his nets into deep water, a miraculous catch occurs, leading Peter, James, and John to leave everything and follow Jesus. The chapter continues with Jesus healing a man full of leprosy and later a paralyzed man who is lowered through a roof by his friends. When Jesus forgives the paralyzed man's sins, He faces questioning from Pharisees and scribes regarding His authority, which He confirms by physically healing the man. Jesus then calls Levi, a tax collector, to be His disciple. Levi hosts a feast where Jesus is criticized for eating with sinners, to which He responds that He came to call the sick and sinners to repentance. The chapter concludes with Jesus explaining through parables—such as the new wine in old wineskins—why His disciples do not fast like others, signifying the new nature of His ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
After witnessing the miraculous catch of fish, Peter was overwhelmed by a sense of Jesus' holiness and his own unworthiness. His request was an expression of deep reverence and humility in the presence of divine power.
The chapter records the calling of Simon Peter, James, and John, who were partners in a fishing business. Later in the chapter, Jesus also calls Levi, a tax collector who was sitting at his tax office.
Jesus uses this illustration to show that His new teachings and the new covenant cannot be forced into the old, rigid traditional structures of the religious leaders. It signifies that His ministry brings a fresh perspective that requires a new way of thinking.
Study Note
The 'Lake of Gennesaret' mentioned in the first verse is the same body of water referred to as the Sea of Galilee in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.