John 21:1

¶ After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he [himself].

After {G3326} these things {G5023} Jesus {G2424} shewed {G5319} himself {G1438} again {G3825} to the disciples {G3101} at {G1909} the sea {G2281} of Tiberias {G5085}; and {G1161} on this wise {G3779} shewed {G5319} he himself.

After this, Yeshua appeared again to the talmidim at Lake Tiberias. Here is how it happened:

Later, by the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus again revealed Himself to the disciples. He made Himself known in this way:

After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and he manifestedhimselfon this wise.

Commentary

John 21:1 serves as the opening verse to what is often considered an epilogue to John's Gospel, detailing a significant post-resurrection encounter between Jesus and His disciples. This passage re-establishes Jesus' active presence with His followers and sets the stage for a crucial dialogue with Peter.

Context

The phrase "After these things" refers to the events of John chapters 19 and 20, which culminated in Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and two previous appearances to His disciples in Jerusalem. This verse marks the third recorded appearance of Jesus to a group of His disciples in John's Gospel, following His appearance on the evening of the resurrection day and eight days later when Thomas was present. The disciples have now returned to Galilee, specifically to the "sea of Tiberias," which is another name for the Sea of Galilee. This return to their familiar fishing grounds suggests a period of waiting or uncertainty for the disciples, perhaps even a reversion to their former livelihood before Jesus' final instructions or ascension.

Key Themes

  • Continued Revelation of Jesus: The verse emphasizes that Jesus "shewed himself again," highlighting the ongoing reality of His physical resurrection and His commitment to revealing Himself to His followers. This was not a fleeting appearance but a deliberate manifestation.
  • Jesus Meets Disciples Where They Are: By appearing at the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus demonstrates His willingness to meet His disciples in their everyday lives and familiar surroundings, even as they are engaged in their former occupations. This foreshadows His re-commissioning of them.
  • Post-Resurrection Reality: This appearance further solidifies the truth of Jesus' bodily resurrection, providing more eyewitness testimony to His disciples and, through them, to future generations.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "shewed himself" is ephanerōsen (ἐφανέρωσεν), which means "to make manifest," "to reveal," or "to appear." It implies a deliberate and clear act of self-disclosure, not a ghost or a fleeting vision. Jesus was actively and intentionally revealing His resurrected person to them.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that Jesus is present with His followers even in moments of transition, uncertainty, or when they might feel inclined to revert to old patterns. Just as He sought out the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, He continues to reveal Himself in our lives, often in unexpected or familiar settings. It's a testament to His enduring presence and His faithfulness to guide and re-commission us for His purposes, much like He had originally called some of them from their fishing boats to be "fishers of men."

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Cross-References

  • John 6:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is [the sea of] Tiberias.

  • John 6:23 (3 votes)

    (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

  • Matthew 28:16 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

  • Matthew 28:7 (2 votes)

    And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

  • Matthew 26:32 (2 votes)

    But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

  • John 20:19 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.

  • John 20:29 (2 votes)

    Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed.