John 21:15-17
Summary for John 21:15-17: 21:15-17 a do you love me? The three questions and affirmations mirror Peter’s three denials (18:15-18 b, 25-27 c). 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 d. 21:15 e 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 f; Matt 26:33 g; Mark 14:29 h). He was urging Peter to examine himself.
21:17 i feed my sheep: Jesus, who knows all things (1:42 j; 2:25 k; 16:30 l), 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.
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