John 21 - NIV Study Bible

21:1 Galilee. See NIV text note; see also note on 6:1.

21:2 Simon Peter. See note on Mk 1:16. Thomas. See note on 11:16. sons of Zebedee. James and John, not named in this Gospel (Mt 4:21).

21:3 that night. Nighttime was favored by fishermen in ancient times (as Aristotle, e.g., informs us).

21:4 did not realize that it was Jesus. Cf. Mary Magdalene (see note on 20:14).

21:7 disciple whom Jesus loved. See note on 13:23. his outer garment. It is curious that he put on this garment (the word appears only here in the NT) preparatory to jumping into the water. It was shameful for a Jew to be naked; Peter may have been preparing himself to greet the Lord.

21:9 burning coals. Or “charcoal,” as in 18:18 (“fire”; see note on 18:26). Thus the charcoal “fire” is present at both Peter’s denials and his restoration.

21:11 Peter . . . dragged the net ashore. Appears to mean that Peter headed up the effort, for the whole group had not been able previously to haul the net into the boat (v. 6). the net was not torn. In contrast to the nets mentioned in Lk 5:6.

21:14 third time. The third appearance to a group of disciples (20:19–23,24–29), though there had been other appearances to individuals.

21:15 more than these. May mean “more than you love these men” or “more than these men love me” or his fishing business, indicative of his current life. Perhaps the second is best, for Peter had claimed a devotion above that of the others (Mt 26:33; Mk 14:29; cf. Jn 13:37). Peter did not take up the comparison, and Jesus did not explain it. Feed my lambs. Cf. “Take care of my sheep” (v. 16) and “Feed my sheep” (v. 17); cf. 1Pe 5:1–4 and notes.

21:15–17 love. The Greek word for “love” in Jesus’ first two questions (agapaō) is different from that in his third question and in all Peter’s answers (phileō). It is unlikely that a distinction in meaning is intended since John often used synonyms for stylistic reasons (e.g., “Feed my lambs” [v. 15], “Take care of my sheep” [v. 16] and “Feed my sheep” [v. 17]). Also, no distinction is made between these two words elsewhere in this Gospel. The more important point is that Peter’s threefold denial of Jesus (18:16–18,25–27) is now reversed with Peter’s threefold affirmation of his love for Jesus.

21:17 you know all things. Peter’s replies stress Christ’s knowledge, not his own grasp of the situation.

21:18 Very truly I tell you. See note on Mk 3:28. stretch out your hands. The early church understood this as a prophecy of crucifixion.

21:19 the kind of death. Peter would be a martyr. Tradition indicates that he was crucified upside down.

21:20 disciple whom Jesus loved. See note on 13:23. was following. He was doing what Peter was twice told to do (vv. 19,22). at the supper. See 13:23–25.

21:22 until I return. A clear declaration of the second coming (see 14:3 and note).

21:24 disciple who testifies. Testimony is important throughout this Gospel (see note on 1:7). We now learn that it was the beloved disciple who was the witness behind the account. these things. Must refer to the whole book. who wrote them down. The beloved disciple (John) was not only the witness but also the actual author. We know. Evidently written by contemporaries in a position to know the truth.

21:25 many other things. As in 20:30 (see note there) we are assured that the author has been selective. even the whole world would not have room. Hyperbole (for another example of this figure of speech, see Lk 14:26 and note). Our historical knowledge of Jesus is at best partial, but we have been given all we need to know.