John 21 - CSB Disciple’s Study Bible

21:1-14 JESUS CHRIST, Resurrection—The resurrected Lord could perform signs just as he could before the cross. See notes on 2:1-11; 20:25-28. The resurrection appearances helped the disciples understand who Jesus was and to see that he was the fulfillment of Scripture. See note on 20:1-9.

21:6 MIRACLE, Faith—That seasoned fishermen, somewhat disillusioned at the death of Jesus, should willingly obey directions from a “landlubber” suggests the sensitivity of these disciples. The fish were real, almost breaking the net; and the disciples remembered the number—153 (v. 11). They believed on him, and Peter was restored (after his denial) to discipleship. Do you need to see Christ’s miracles as signs inviting you to restored fellowship and discipleship? See Lk 5:1-11.

21:15-17 DISCIPLESHIP, Nature—Discipleship has only one requirement. We may be disciples if we love Jesus so deeply we are willing to do what he asks. Each time Simon Peter answered Jesus’s question concerning loving him, the Lord gave him a task to do. When Peter asked what John was to do, Jesus said that should not concern Peter. Love for Jesus leads us to serve other people. Every disciple has a task. My primary concern is to do the task the Lord has given to me because I love him. The Lord will give others whatever assignment pleases him. See note on 1Jn 3:17-18.

21:15-23 SALVATION, Love of God—Saved persons are to love Christ more than anything else in the universe. We are to serve faithfully and follow Christ. We should not expect our fervent love for Christ to prevent our physical death. For the believer physical death leads only to eternal life.

21:22-23 LAST THINGS, Return Promises—The return of Jesus is an underlying assumption of his full ministry. The first coming is not complete without the second coming. Jesus could speak almost offhandedly about his return, so certain was its reality. See note on Ac 1:11.

21:24-25 HOLY SCRIPTURE, Eyewitnesses—The apostle John was the witness and recorder of all the experiences collected in this book and declared them true as personal witness. Apparently another inspired writer referred to John the eyewitness in third person and testified for the believers to the truth of “his testimony.” These believers evidently received and preserved John’s Gospel until it was collected with the other Gospels and became part of the NT. John further revealed that his recorded experiences are only a partial collection of the many words and deeds of Jesus Christ. See note on 20:30-31.

21:25 JESUS CHRIST, Miracles—John wrote so that his readers would come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that in believing, they would have life in his name (20:31). Jesus did many things John and the other Gospel writers did not report. No report can be exhaustive. The inspired reports are sufficient to lead us to faith and salvation.