John 21 - NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible

21:1 appeared. Or “revealed himself” (cf. 2:11; 17:6). Sea of Galilee. See note on Luke 5:1.

21:1–14 Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish. The account not only provides a third narrative resurrection account, complete with eyewitness details, but establishes Jesus’ power to draw in fish when his disciples cannot do it on their own. Their roles as fishers of people will have Christ’s authority behind them.

21:1–25 Epilogue. John not only ties up several loose ends (e.g., Peter’s restoration to service) but in symbolic ways points to the church’s growth and diversity of gifts and callings. He appropriately ends with a tribute to Jesus’ greatness (v. 25).

21:2 sons of Zebedee. James and John (Matt 4:21; Luke 5:10).

21:3 to fish. Does not imply that these disciples have apostatized or sunk into despair, though ch. 21 does not portray them as displaying the joy, assurance, unity, and sense of mission that they do after receiving the Spirit at Pentecost in Acts 2 (see note on John 20:22). night. Favored by fishermen then (cf. Luke 5:5).

21:4 did not realize that it was Jesus. Perhaps because of dim light and their distance from the shore (see note on 20:14; cf. Luke 24:16).

21:6 Cf. Luke 5:4–7.

21:7 disciple whom Jesus loved. Probably John (see note on 13:23). wrapped his outer garment around him. To prepare to greet Jesus.

21:9 fire of burning coals. As in 18:18, where Peter first denied Jesus. fish . . . bread. Jesus meets their tiredness after a night of toil with a hot breakfast (v. 13). As their risen Lord, he serves them still (cf. 13:4–16).

21:11 153. A miraculous, generous provision (as in 2:1–12; 6:1–15). The many attempts to detect some symbol-laden significance to the number are not convincing. not torn. Contrast Luke 5:6.

21:12 Who are you? That is, “Is it really you?”

21:13 See note on v. 9.

21:14 third time. Probably enumerates only the appearances reported in this Gospel (20:19–23, 26–29). This does not count Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene (20:11–18) since that was not an appearance “to his disciples.”

21:15 than these. Probably means “than these other disciples do”—perhaps with some irony (cf. 13:37; Matt 26:33; Mark 14:29).

21:15–17 The Greek text includes four pairs of synonyms with no discernible difference in meaning: (1) love. Occurs seven times; the first and third translate agapaō and the other five phileō. (2) Feed . . . Take care of. (3) lambs . . . sheep. (4) know. Occurs four times; the fourth translates a different word.

21:15–25 Jesus Reinstates Peter. Probably written after Peter’s martyrdom (more than three decades after the events in ch. 21), this account explains how Peter was restored. The man who denied Christ became a powerful and influential apostle, owing to Jesus’ forbearance, forgiveness, and grace.

21:17 third time. Mirrors Peter’s recent threefold denial (see 18:15–18, 25–27 and notes), inviting Peter to reverse his denials and reaffirm his love for Jesus three times. Feed my sheep. Jesus graciously accepts Peter’s declaration, restores him to fellowship, and commissions him to service, emphasizing his pastoral role (cf. 1 Pet 5:1–4).

21:18 stretch out your hands. Crucifixion. dress . . . lead. The “stretching” of crucifixion sometimes occurred when a condemned prisoner was tied to the cross-member and forced to carry their “cross” to the place of execution (cf. 19:17).

21:19 kind of death. Jesus predicts Peter’s martyrdom (cf. 12:33; 18:32). glorify God. By following Jesus to suffering and death (cf. 12:27–28; 13:31–32; 17:1; 1 Pet 4:14–16). Remarkably, Peter served for three decades with this prediction hanging over him; he most likely died in Rome under the emperor Nero (see Introduction to 1 Peter: Date).

21:20 disciple whom Jesus loved. Probably John (see note on 13:23).

21:22 until I return. Jesus will come again (see notes on Acts 1:11; 1 Cor 15:23–28; 1 Thess 4:13—5:11; Rev 19:11–16). what is that to you? Implies that it is none of Peter’s business. You must follow me. Regardless of what paths Jesus designs for his other followers.

21:23 That John can envisage his own death has a bearing on how he understands the concept of eternal life elsewhere in this Gospel. He envisages something far more than the mere extension of this life.

21:24 the disciple who . . . wrote. The author of this Gospel is “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” probably John (see v. 20; see also note on 13:23; Introduction: Author). these things. The Gospel of John. We. Possibly John and others with him but probably an editorial “we,” referring to John himself (see 1:14; 1 John 1:4).

21:25 After identifying himself in v. 24, John concludes by focusing on Jesus. many other things. John was selective (see 20:30). not have room. If John described all of Jesus’ deeds, the world would be a small, inadequate library, for there is far more to know about Jesus—the powerful Creator, incarnate Word, obedient Son, suffering Messiah, and risen Lord—than one could ever write down.