John21

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to seven disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, where they had toiled all night catching nothing. He miraculously directed them to a great catch of 153 fish, then shared a meal with them on the shore. Following this, Jesus three times questioned Simon Peter's love and commissioned him to "Feed my lambs" and "Feed my sheep," also foretelling Peter's future martyrdom.
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Jesus Appears by the Sea of Galilee

1
After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and he manifestedhimselfon this wise. ​
2
There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
3
Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and entered into the boat; and that night they took nothing. ​
4
But when day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach: yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
5
Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat? They answered him, No. ​
6
And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
7
That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his coat about him (for he was naked), and cast himself into the sea. ​
8
But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits off), dragging the net full of fishes.
9
So when they got out upon the land, they see a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. ​
10
Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now taken.
11
Simon Peter therefore went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, the net was not rent. ​
12
Jesus saith unto them, Come and break your fast. And none of the disciples durst inquire of him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
13
Jesus cometh, and taketh the bread, and giveth them, and the fish likewise.
14
This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. ​

Jesus Restores and Commissions Peter

15
So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. ​
16
He saith to him again a second time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Tend my sheep.
17
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. ​
18
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. ​
19
Now this he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. ​

The Destiny of the Beloved Disciple

20
Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; who also leaned back on his breast at the supper, and said, Lord, who is he that betrayeth thee?
21
Peter therefore seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? ​
22
Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. ​
23
This saying therefore went forth among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, that he should not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

Epilogue and Author's Testimony

24
This is the disciple that beareth witness of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his witness is true. ​
25
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that should be written. ​

Study Notes for John 21

Verse 1

This chapter functions as an appendix to the Gospel, which formally concluded in 20:30-31. The appearance emphasizes the physical reality of the resurrection and Jesus’ continued connection to his disciples in their daily lives.

Verse 3

Peter’s decision to return to fishing suggests the disciples were awaiting further instruction and felt a need to provide for themselves. Their failure to catch anything emphasizes that ministry (represented by fishing) is fruitless without Christ’s direction.

Verse 5

The word 'Children' (paidia) is a term of tender affection. Their empty nets set up the contrast between human effort and divine enablement, a theme recalling the initial call of Peter (Luke 5:5).

Verse 7

The Beloved Disciple (John) is the first to recognize Jesus through the miraculous sign, demonstrating spiritual insight. Peter, known for impulsive action, immediately jumps into the water, prioritizing reaching the Lord over all else.

Verse 9

Jesus had already prepared the meal, emphasizing that divine provision precedes and surpasses human labor. This scene symbolizes the resurrected Christ serving his followers, providing both physical and spiritual sustenance.

Verse 11

The exact number 153 has prompted much speculation, but it fundamentally emphasizes the fullness and completeness of the catch. That the net remained unbroken symbolizes the unity and inclusiveness of the future church.

Verse 14

This marks the third major resurrection appearance recorded in John (following 20:19 and 20:26). The number three often signifies confirmation and completeness in biblical narrative.

Verse 15

Jesus addresses him as 'Simon, son of Jonas,' using his old name, signaling a return to foundational identity before commissioning his new role. The dialogue utilizes two Greek words for love: *agape* (selfless, divine love) and *philia* (brotherly affection/friendship). Peter responds only with *philia*.

Verse 17

The three-fold questioning deliberately corresponds to Peter’s three-fold denial (18:15-27), providing complete restoration and public reaffirmation of his calling. Peter’s final response acknowledges Christ’s omniscience: 'Thou knowest all things.'

Verse 18

This is a prophecy of Peter's future martyrdom. 'Stretch forth thy hands' is widely understood to refer to the posture of crucifixion, confirming that discipleship requires ultimate self-denial and sacrifice.

Verse 19

The command 'Follow me' transitions Peter from his restored past into his sacrificial future mission. This is the ultimate call to discipleship: imitation of Christ’s life and death.

Verse 21

Peter, having just received instruction about his own destiny, curiously asks about the Beloved Disciple. This highlights the human temptation to compare one's calling or ministry to others.

Verse 22

Jesus redirects Peter, emphasizing that each disciple has an individual destiny determined by Christ. 'What is that to thee?' stresses the primacy of focusing on personal obedience and Christ’s direct command.

Verse 24

This verse serves as a crucial authorial claim, identifying the Beloved Disciple as the primary source and writer of this Gospel. The use of 'we know' suggests the testimony was verified and endorsed by the Johannine community.

Verse 25

This hyperbole emphasizes the immensity and inexhaustibility of Christ’s ministry on earth. It affirms that the written Gospel is a selection of essential events necessary for belief (cf. 20:30-31).

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