John 21 - CSB Study Bible for Women

21:1-23 Important highlights of this section include the similarity of the miracle of the catch of fish and the account of the initial call of the disciples recorded in Lk 5:1-11. The action of Simon Peter is in character with other representations of him (13:36-38; 18:10-11,15-18,25-27; 20:6; Mt 16:21-23; 26:33-35). The reference to sheep closely follows the metaphor in 10:1-18, and 21:19 uses language concerning Peter that is applied to Jesus in 12:33. Another important point of this section has to do with John’s desire to quell the rumor that he would not die before Christ’s return.

21:15-17 John introduces a play on words in the exchange between Jesus and Peter. Jesus asked Peter, do you love [M]e? three times. Three times Peter had denied Christ (18:16-17,25-27); and Jesus, in restoring Peter, gave him three opportunities to affirm his love for the Lord.

Perhaps Peter was cautious in his avowal because of his bitter disappointment over having denied Jesus earlier. However, Jesus seemed to be making His point concerning the nature of Peter’s love, coupling the question of love with the responsibility of ministry for Christ—i.e., feed (Gk boske, “tend”) and shepherd (Gk poimaine, “guide, protect”; “nurture”) His lambs (Gk arnia) in verse 15 and His sheep (Gk probata) in verses 16 and 17. Both “lambs” and “sheep” denote tenderness and suggest care and protection. Jesus also prophesied that Peter would die as a martyr because of his commitment to follow Christ (vv. 18-19). Many interpret stretch out your hands as a reference to crucifixion. According to tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome between AD 64 and 68, and he insisted on being crucified upside down because he did not feel worthy to die as his Savior did.

21:24-25 The Epilogue contains many descriptions that suggest the author was an actual participant in the events taking place. However, in a peculiar sense these words were also penned for a people who were far removed from these events. When the Fourth Gospel was written, the NT literature (such as the Synoptic Gospels and perhaps some of Paul’s letters) was probably already circulating and becoming well-known. John freely admitted that he recorded only a mere fraction of Jesus’s words and deeds. Yet his testimony has enriched the church throughout the generations.