John 21 - Life Application Bible Commentary (NT)

JESUS APPEARS TO THE DISCIPLES WHILE FISHING / 21:1-14 / 246

Chapter 21 is an epilogue to John’s narrative. Very likely, John decided to add this chapter some time after he completed his Gospel in order to clarify the misconception about the relationship between his (John’s) death and the Lord’s return. The rumor that John would not die before the Lord’s return (21:23) had to be corrected, otherwise the church might experience great trouble at his death before the Lord’s return. John, therefore, decided to add a chapter that would make it clear that Jesus did not say that he would return before John died.

John also used this chapter to show Peter’s restoration after having denied the Lord three times. In none of the post-Resurrection appearances recorded in chapter 20 had John mentioned any kind of special attention given to Peter by Jesus. Both Luke and Paul mention that the Lord made a special appearance to Peter (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5), but there is no record of what transpired. This chapter clearly depicts Jesus restoring Peter to be an effective leader in the church. Furthermore, John used this epilogue to show that Peter’s death (by crucifixion) had been foretold by Jesus. At the time John wrote his Gospel and the epilogue (A.D. 85–90), Peter had been dead twenty years (A.D. 67).

21:1 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias.NIV This chapter records Jesus’ appearance to the disciples beside the Sea of Tiberias (another name for the Sea of Galilee). Jesus had made at least six appearances in (or around) Jerusalem (see the chart in chapter 20). After the Jerusalem appearances, the disciples evidently had returned to Galilee. Jesus made several appearances in this region: to five hundred believers (1 Corinthians 15:6); to James, his brother (1 Corinthians 15:7); to the seven disciples who went fishing on the Sea of Tiberias, including a personal conversation with Peter (recorded here in John). So Jesus first appeared to them in Jerusalem and then in Galilee. According to John’s account, Jesus’ appearance to the seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee was his third appearance to the disciples (see 21:14). He had appeared to them twice in Jerusalem (20:19, 26).

Prior to his resurrection, the Lord had told his disciples that he would meet them at an appointed place in Galilee after he arose (Matthew 28:10; Mark 14:28). But due to the disciples’ unbelief and fear, they had remained in Jerusalem. Consider what the disciples had experienced over the last few weeks: the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem of their beloved Jesus and their high hopes for high places in Christ’s kingdom; a supper with Jesus that proved to be his last —a supper filled with mysterious actions and words, and the sudden departure of a trusted friend, one of their own; surprise in Gethsemane by several hundred men with torches and weapons who had come to arrest everyone, and the disciples had turned tail and run; Jesus going with the authorities without a fight; Peter, their leader, denying three times that he was a disciple of Jesus; Jesus, their supposed leader and King, crucified on a cross like a common criminal, then buried in a borrowed tomb; then an incredible resurrection with Jesus appearing to them and saying more mysterious words. What were they supposed to do now? They did as they were told and returned to Galilee. But as they waited there, they remained unsure, confused. So they did what they knew how to do best —they went fishing.

21:2 Seven disciples were together at this time:

1. 1. Simon Peter (mentioned first because he was the leader)
2. 2. Thomas (mentioned specifically at the end of chapter 20)
3. 3. Nathanael (first introduced in chapter 1 and not mentioned again until now)
4. 4. and 5. The sons of Zebedee (John, the author, and James)
5. 6. and 7. Two other disciples (unnamed).

21:3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.”NRSV Having returned to Galilee, the disciples did not know what to do next, so it was natural for some of them to return to their occupation. Simon, Andrew, and James and John (the sons of Zebedee) had been fishermen (see Mark 1:16-20). Peter took the lead, and the other six disciples went with him.

They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.NRSV These disciples had gone back to their occupation, only to completely fail at that too, so it seems. Although fishing was often good during the night while the fish were active and feeding closer to the surface, the disciples’ nets were empty. When daybreak arrived, they were tired, hungry, and probably more than a little frustrated. It did not help that a voice called to them from the beach.

EMPTY NETS

Jesus never criticized the disciples for going fishing. Whatever their motives, fishing was a familiar activity that gave them a sense of normalcy and comfort. It gave them something to do and time to sort out their thoughts. But their efforts yielded nothing. Many times our efforts at work, parenting, or ministry leave us with only “empty nets.” The Lord allows us to experience lack of productivity, frustrations, and failure to bring us closer to him and to help us rely on him, not on our own resourcefulness. When you feel tired and empty, listen for Jesus’ words to you.

21:4 Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.NRSV Jesus had come to make another appearance to the disciples, especially to Peter. Perhaps because of the distance, haze over the water, or lack of light this early in the morning, the men in the boat did not recognize the man on the shore.

SURPRISED BY JESUS

Once again the disciples failed to recognize Jesus. This time the poor light gave them a good reason not to realize who he was. Perhaps they were preoccupied with fishing; surely they weren’t expecting him; maybe they were avoiding the issue of what to do next. Are you involved in some area or activity where you think a visit from Christ would be unlikely? Guard against being so preoccupied with your own work that you miss seeing Christ. Expect that he can do the miraculous in ordinary events. Look for him throughout each day.

21:5-6 Jesus called out to the disciples, asking about their catch (they were only about a hundred yards out, see 21:8), only to receive the answer that they had caught nothing. He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish.NRSV The disciples, tired as they were, responded to the obvious authority in the voice, and cast their nets to starboard —and a miracle occurred! This recalls Luke 5:1-11, another occasion where Peter and the other disciples were fishing on the sea, catching nothing. Jesus gave a command to go out into the deep water. Peter, though doubtful, followed Jesus’ orders. When they obeyed, a miracle occurred! When Peter saw the first miracle, “he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’” (Luke 5:8 NRSV). He recognized beyond Jesus’ power a holiness that was not part of his own life.

On this occasion, Peter is again a central character. Jesus identified himself by his unexpected and seemingly useless request. The fishermen’s actions involved them in another miracle. If the request did not give them a clue, the results unmistakably pointed to the power of their Lord. Both John and Peter recognized that Jesus was behind the overwhelming catch of fish.

Though he must have been ashamed of his sinfulness (the recent denial of Jesus was still fresh in his mind), Peter rushed to be with Jesus. A little later Jesus had some special words for him.

21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”NKJV John may have immediately recognized the repeated miracle, for he was part of the incident recorded in Luke 5 (see Luke 5:10). As John peered through the morning mist, his sensitive and thoughtful nature revealed to him that the man on the shore was Jesus.

Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.NKJV Peter’s impulsive nature came through in this sentence. Peter had always been the one to act, speak, react —whether in climbing out of the boat to walk on the water to Jesus (Matthew 14:28-31), offering to build shelters on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:5-6), refusing to let Jesus wash his feet (13:8-9), striking out with a sword at those who had come to arrest Jesus (18:10), or denying his Lord (18:26-27). Here he jumped into the lake to swim to Jesus. Though his love for Jesus was very great, Peter may have thought a barrier still existed between the Lord and him because of his denial.

Peter was beginning to think twice before speaking. John had to say what they must have all immediately suspected. Once he knew that he wasn’t imagining Jesus presence, Peter leaped out of the boat and swam for shore. Impulsiveness is deeply ingrained.

21:8-9 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore. . . . When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.NIV We can only guess what Peter did when he came out of the water, dripping wet, facing the one he had denied. He may have been at a loss for words. No doubt Peter appreciated the fire that Jesus had burning; there he dried off while he felt the inward chill of remembering what he had done the last time he had stood by a fire warming himself. If any words were said, they were kept between Jesus and Peter, since the others were still too far away to hear.

What a welcome pleasure for the senses to find a warm fire, a hot meal, and the greatest friend of all waiting for them after a frustrating night and an exhausting conclusion to their fishing expedition.

DISCOURAGED WORKERS

Tired, hungry, and frustrated, these discouraged disciples needed a lift. They lacked direction and they were uncertain of the Lord’s presence and help. Jesus came to them, made his presence known, and gave them direction. Are you discouraged in your work for the Lord? Jesus is prepared for you; he has a gracious welcome waiting. He offered the disciples a warm fire and breakfast. He also wants to give you sustenance, comfort, and fellowship.

21:10-11 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught. So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn.NRSV The miraculous catch of fish must have affected Peter profoundly. Peter did not say a word as he dragged the heavy net full of 153 large fish to shore and then, with the other disciples ate the breakfast of bread and fish the Lord had prepared even before they caught the fish.

The amount of fish probably has no other significance than that it was a very large amount of large fish after having caught nothing all night. And the exact number is recorded simply as a matter of historical fact. It was the usual procedure for a group of fishermen to count the day’s catch and then divide it among themselves. Once again, John observed that when Christ takes action, the results bring overabundance.

21:12 None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.NIV Any question or any comment seemed trite at that moment. They stood around in awed silence before this one who, as always, was doing the serving.

JESUS KNOWS

The fact that the net was not torn attested not only to the miracle, but to the attention of the miracle worker. Jesus would supply their catch of fish and would take care that their nets were not torn. Such attention to detail is characteristic of the Holy Spirit’s work in circumstances in every believer’s life —from these disciples who would soon begin to carry out the great commission, to us, today, as we struggle through the confusion in our daily lives.

21:13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.NKJV This special meal with the risen Jesus had a profound effect on these seven disciples. Peter would later make claim to his reliability as a witness of Jesus by saying, “He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen —by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead” (Acts 10:41 NIV). John does not record that Jesus ate anything, but Luke 24:41-43 describes an appearance of Jesus where he did eat some fish.

21:14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.NIV Jesus had come to them to encourage these disciples, especially Peter, concerning their future work. The text seems to imply that Jesus had come to remind them that they were not to return to their old life of fishing. He had called them to be fishers of people (Luke 5:10) and to start the church (Matthew 16:19). Peter, the leader among them, needed to be ready for the responsibilities he soon would assume. He would lead and feed the flock —not with physical food (which Jesus would provide) but with spiritual food.

JESUS TALKS WITH PETER / 21:15-25 / 247

After the meal, Jesus and Peter had a talk. During their conversation, Jesus led Peter through an experience that would remove the cloud of guilt that came from Peter’s denial. The Master-Teacher conveyed both forgiveness and usefulness to this disciple who must have concluded he was beyond being useful to Jesus.

Peter had disowned Jesus three times. Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. When Peter answered yes, Jesus told him to feed his sheep. It is one thing to say you love Jesus, but the real test requires actually doing it. Peter had repented, and here Jesus was asking him to commit his life. Peter’s life changed when he finally realized who Jesus was. His occupation changed from fisherman to evangelist; his identity changed from impetuous to rock solid; and his relationship to Jesus changed —from one who had denied him to one who was forgiven. And Peter finally understood the significance of Jesus’ words about his death and resurrection.

John closed his Gospel with a second summary statement. The earlier one (20:30-31) focused on the reason for the book; this one highlights John’s awareness that all he had written about Jesus was only a glimpse of what Jesus had said and done.

21:15-17 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”NRSV Simon son of John was the name Jesus had said when he first met this man who would become his disciple: “‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter)” (1:42, NRSV). But Peter had not yet proven himself to live up to that name —Peter, “the rock.” According to Luke 24:34, Jesus had probably met with Peter previously.

Jesus’ first question to Peter could be translated in three ways: (1) “Do you love me more than these men love me?” (2) “Do you love me more than you love these men?” (3) “Do you love me more than these things?” (that is, the fishing boat, nets, and gear). Of the three options, the first seems the most appropriate because Peter had boasted that he would never forsake Jesus, even if all the other disciples did (see Matthew 26:33; Mark 14:29; John 13:37). This was the same as saying that he had more love for Jesus than the others did.

BROKENNESS

Jesus helped Peter grasp his most valuable life lesson —he must learn humility before he could obtain leadership. Peter needed to confront realistically his shortcomings before he could guide the flock. This strong, powerful person had to be broken before he could deal compassionately with others. Do you aspire to lead others? It takes more than talent to gather followers. To have Jesus’ style of leadership takes a spirit broken from pride, linked to God, and tender toward others.

Peter did just the opposite of what he boasted: He denied Jesus three times. As a consequence, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” to affirm Peter’s love and commitment. Each time Peter told Jesus, “I love you,” Jesus exhorted Peter to care for his flock: “Feed my lambs” (21:15, NIV); “Take care of my sheep” (21:16, NIV); “Feed my sheep” (21:17, NIV). Lambs and sheep can be taken as words of endearment. Jesus’ love and concern is for all believers —the entire “flock” that would grow as a result of the apostles’ ministry.

Peter was charged to care for this flock by feeding and shepherding them. Jesus used action words to describe Peter’s role as a disciple. Jesus did not ask Peter to be the leader, but to take specific action: “Feed and take care of my sheep.” If people in leadership assume that holding a position or being in charge is all they must do, they miss the point. Leadership in ministry requires a servant’s heart: contributing to others, not just directing; developing people, not just demanding that tasks be done. Peter always remembered this commission; he became a dedicated shepherd of the flock (see 1 Peter 5:1-4). And as a good shepherd, caring for the sheep, Peter would, like Jesus, be called upon to lay down his life.

21:18-19 When you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go. Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.NIV Jesus used a proverbial statement about old age to depict Peter’s death, which was by crucifixion. Tertullian (c. A.D. 212), referring to these verses, said that Peter was “girt by another” when his arms were stretched out and fastened to the cross. From this day onward, Peter knew what death lay before him. Peter never forgot this prophecy from Jesus; Peter referred to it in his Second Epistle when he spoke about his imminent death (see 2 Peter 1:14). Peter was crucified in Rome under Nero around A.D. 65–67.

And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”NKJV By his words, Jesus was reinstating and restoring Peter as his disciple. What assurance these words must have been for Peter. Despite what glory or trial or death lay ahead, he would always be under the Savior’s care, for he would be following Jesus.

Three years earlier, along the same lake, Jesus had said the same words to Peter —“Follow me.” All the learning and the miles, all the miracles and the stories, all the impulsiveness and failures did not change the basic challenge Jesus gave to Peter and to us —Follow me. Following Jesus is not a step. Rather it is a lifelong walk of faith. Jesus’ constant invitation reminds us not to think as often about where we are or where we are going but rather to think constantly about how well we are following him.

“Follow Me” is a present tense imperative meaning “Keep on following.” Stripped of pride, impulsiveness, and false expectations of leadership, Peter was ready to follow Christ in a new way because of new experiences and a clearer picture of himself. “Follow Me” means consistent discipleship and steadfast pursuit of Christ, even if that requires martyrdom. It means continuing Christ’s work in the way he wants it done, not in a way we want it done.

21:20-23 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved . . . [and] said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”NRSV Having been told his destiny, Peter wanted to know what would happen to John (called the disciple whom Jesus loved and identified as the one who had asked Jesus at the Last Supper who would betray him, see 13:23-25).

“If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!”NRSV In this profound but loving rebuke, Jesus explained to the impulsive Peter that he was not to be concerned about God’s plans for anyone else but himself. Indeed, Peter’s contribution to the beginnings of the Christian church would be astounding (from his sermon on Pentecost in just a few weeks, to his leadership of the Jerusalem church, to his being the first to understand that Gentiles too could become Christians), and both his miraculous escape from death (Acts 12:1-19) and his death by martyrdom would be heroic. John, although he would remain alive, would be called to a different kind of service, even through exile on a remote island —for John would write this incredible Gospel, three letters, and the astounding account of the triumphant return of the Son of God in the book of Revelation. Peter, the impulsive one, would write two epistles to encourage patience while we wait for Christ’s return. Peter and John were called to different kinds of service for their Lord; neither was to question why.

When Jesus had called these men to be his disciples, he had said, “Come, follow me” (Mark 1:17 NIV). He repeated the command here: “Follow me!” Although Jesus was soon to leave the earth and would no longer be present with the disciples, he could still be followed because his Holy Spirit would be their guide. What an incredible comfort this was to these confused disciples and is for us today. Jesus was not going to leave them in their confusion; he was going to commission them and then give them guidance every step of the way. Thus, the Lord’s command to Peter, “Follow me!” applies to each and every believer. He is not behind us; he is beside us, with us, and ahead of us, calling us to follow.

DON’T COMPARE

If we want to follow Jesus, we must be totally committed to obeying him, but God’s call and the result of that obedience are different for every person. God can use all kinds of people. He has specific plans and service for the impulsive Peters, the thoughtful and sensitive Johns, and the forceful Pauls. God takes into consideration each person’s nature and abilities. Each Christian is called and guided by God and is accountable to no one but God. Christians should not make comparisons among themselves or judge others regarding how each is fulfilling God’s plan (Galatians 6:4). We must be content with where God has placed us and not be jealous about what he has given others to do.

Jesus’ statement to Peter had been interpreted to mean that John would remain alive on earth until the Second Coming of the Lord. The first century was not immune to the rumor mill —for a rumor had started that said John would not die. (For if John remained alive until the Lord’s coming, he would never have to experience death.)

John had to correct this rumor. Although the Second Coming is not a major theme in John’s Gospel, it was the hope of the church and of all believers. If John died and the Lord still had not come, this tiny rumor could throw many believers, and the church itself, into confusion.

But Jesus did not say that he would not die.NIV John insisted that Jesus’ words had been misunderstood. Jesus had not said that John would not die; rather, he simply said to Peter, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”NRSV The point is that the decision was up to Jesus —not John or Peter. What Jesus was communicating to Peter was that it was not for Peter to be concerned about what would become of John’s life. He, Peter, was responsible to follow the Lord according to what the Lord had revealed to him. And so was John.

YOU FOLLOW ME

Peter asked Jesus how John would die. Jesus replied that Peter should not concern himself with that. We tend to compare our lives to others, whether to rationalize our own level of devotion to Christ or to question God’s justice. Jesus responds to us as he did to Peter: “What is that to you? You must follow me.”

21:24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down.NIV The last two verses of John’s Gospel contain the finishing touch to the book that attests to the truth of John’s written testimony. The testimony is trustworthy because John was an eyewitness of Jesus Christ. After many years of experience and reflection, John wrote an account that reflects his spiritual insight into the life of Jesus Christ (see 1:14; 1 John 1:1-3).

We know that his testimony is true. This statement is probably from some of John’s contemporaries who knew that what John wrote was true. Some scholars think these contemporaries were the Ephesian elders, who had been told and/or read the preceding narrative. Early church history reports that after John spent several years as an exile on the island of Patmos (see Revelation 1:9), he returned to Ephesus where he died as an old man, near the end of the first century.

21:25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.NKJV This final statement is not mere hyperbole. It is an affirmation of the fact that John’s one book is far from being exhaustive because John recorded only some of the things that Jesus had done. If John had covered every event, how many more books would be required to contain all the material? Some of this material can be found in the other three Gospels. But there is so much more that could have been said about Jesus. Nonetheless, what was written has provided believers with a true biography of the greatest person who ever lived: Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

READ AND DECIDE

John’s stated purpose for writing his Gospel was to show that Jesus was the Son of God. He clearly and systematically presented the evidence for Jesus’ claims. When evidence is presented in the courtroom, those who hear it must make a choice. Those who read the Gospel of John must also make a choice —is Jesus the Son of God, or isn’t he? You are the jury. The evidence has been clearly presented. You must decide. Read John’s Gospel and believe in Jesus!