AND it came to pass, as the multitude were thronging upon him, in order to hear the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret: (2)and he saw two vessels a-ground near the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and washing their nets. (3)Then he went on board one of the vessels, which was Simon's, and desired him to put off a little from the land: and sitting down, he taught the multitudes out of the vessel. (4)And when he ceased speaking, he said to Simon, Go off into deep water, and shoot your nets for a draught. (5)And Simon answering, said unto him, Sir, we have been toiling all night, and have taken nothing: but at thy command I will shoot the net. (6)And having done so, they inclosed a prodigious multitude of fishes; and their net was broken. (7)And they made signals to their partners in the other vessels, that they should come to their assistance. And they came, and filled both the vessels, so that they were ready to founder. (8)Then Simon Peter seeing it, fell down on his knees before Jesus, saying, Go from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord! (9)For amazement had seized on him, and on all who were with him, at the draught of fishes which they had taken: (10)as also on James and John the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, Fear not: henceforward thou shalt catch men. (11)And when they had brought their vessels on shore, they left all, and followed him. (12)And it came to pass as he was just at one of the cities, behold, a man full of leprosy! and seeing Jesus, he fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. (13)And he stretching out his hand touched him, saying, I will: be thou cleansed. And instantly the leprosy departed from him. (14)And he commanded him to tell no man: but go shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy purification, as Moses enjoined, for a testimony unto them. (15)Now the discourse concerning him more and more spread through the country: and vast multitudes came together to hear him, and to be cured by him of their disorders. (16)But he himself was in the desert for retirement and prayer.