John 21
Summary for John 21:1-25: 21:1-25 a This final chapter adds an account about the resurrected Jesus in Galilee (21:1-14 b) and records the exchange between Peter and Jesus concerning Peter’s love (21:15-23 c). The chapter ends by summarizing the authority and importance of John’s eyewitness report (21:24-25 d).21:2 e Several of the disciples returned to fishing in the Sea of Galilee. This was not a sign that their faith had weakened—even rabbis who regularly preached kept practicing their occupations (see Acts 18:3 f; 20:34 g; 1 Cor 4:12 h).
• The sons of Zebedee were James and John (see Matt 4:21 i).
21:3 j Fishing was usually successful in the early hours of the morning. However, this trip was useless and they caught nothing all night.
21:4 k Jesus was standing on the beach, but the men did not recognize him (cp. 20:11-16 l; Luke 24:13-53 m).
21:6 n “Throw out your net on the right-hand side”: Casting a net into the sea at random was futile. But when they did as the stranger said, the immense catch was immediate (21:11 o).
21:7 p “It’s the Lord!” John recognized Jesus, probably remembering that a miracle like this had happened before (Luke 5:1-11 q).
• Peter, who had stripped off his clothes while working, put on his tunic in order to meet the Lord.
21:9 r Cooked fish and bread were the mainstays of the Galilean diet; Jesus provided the men with breakfast. The charcoal fire is reminiscent of the scene of Peter’s denials (18:18 s).
21:11 t This miracle showed generous provision (as in 2:1-12 u; 6:1-15 v). No symbolism attaches to the number 153.
Summary for John 21:12-13: 21:12-13 w None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” Jesus’ resurrected appearance was different. His offer of fish and bread removed all uncertainties (cp. 6:11 x; Luke 24:30 y).
21:14 z This scene on the beach was the third time Jesus had appeared (see 20:11-23 aa, 26-29 ab).
Summary for John 21:15-17: 21:15-17 ac do you love me? The three questions and affirmations mirror Peter’s three denials (18:15-18 ad, 25-27 ae). Jesus invited Peter to reaffirm everything he had denied.
• The Greek term translated love in Jesus’ first two questions (agapaō) is different from the word in his third question (phileō). In each case, Peter answered with the second word (phileō). Most Greek scholars view the two words as synonyms in this situation. The focus of Jesus’ exchange with Peter was not the quality of Peter’s love, but Peter’s commission to take care of Jesus’ flock. Peter might be meditating on these events in 1 Pet 5:2-4 af. 21:15 ag more than these? Or more than these others do? Jesus was reminding Peter of his insistence that he would be more faithful and courageous than the others (13:37 ah; Matt 26:33 ai; Mark 14:29 aj). He was urging Peter to examine himself.
21:17 ak feed my sheep: Jesus, who knows all things (1:42 al; 2:25 am; 16:30 an), understood that despite Peter’s terrible failing, he still had faith and commitment to Jesus. These words called Peter to nurture and protect Christ’s followers.
21:18 ao you will stretch out your hands: Jesus was probably predicting crucifixion, which according to tradition is how Peter died.
• others will dress you (literally bind you): Jesus alludes to captivity, bondage, and even crucifixion—victims were often tied to the cross.
21:19 ap The rest of Peter’s life was a ministry tending the flock of God, and his martyrdom was a kind of death that glorifies God.
• Follow me: This might require suffering and death (see 13:16 aq; 15:18-21 ar).
Summary for John 21:20-22: 21:20-22 as “What about him, Lord?” Peter asked Jesus about the fate of John, wondering if he, too, would experience martyrdom. Jesus’ answer was abrupt: It was not Peter’s business to know how or when John would die. Peter’s only task was to follow Jesus, which John was already doing. This episode forms the core of John’s concept of discipleship: What matters most for the disciple of Jesus is to follow him and do his will, come what may.
21:23 at Jesus’ words to Peter spread, causing some to conclude that John would not die until Jesus returned in his second coming. Jesus’ rebuke to Peter (21:22 au) is repeated to answer that rumor. Those among the community of believers who believed this rumor were thus instructed to abandon any speculation about John. According to tradition, John died peacefully in Ephesus at an old age, surrounded by fellow believers.
21:24 av This disciple is the one who testifies ... and has recorded: John’s Gospel is anchored in his personal experiences. It is not a story written from hearsay or speculation, but from the remembrance of a man who spent life-changing years with Jesus and recalled, with the help of the Holy Spirit (14:26 aw), what Jesus said and did.
• we know: This account of the life of Christ was not speculation or weak reminiscence. Rather, it was based on the confident knowledge of reliable eyewitness accounts.
21:25 ax the whole world could not contain the books: John ends his Gospel acknowledging that the story he has described is larger than anything he can imagine or fully communicate. Though it is glorious for us to read, John’s account pales in comparison to the glory of the person it describes.
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