John 21:14

KJV

This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

KJV (with Strong's)

This {G5124} is {G5319} now {G2235} the third time {G5154} that Jesus {G2424} shewed himself {G5319} to his {G846} disciples {G3101}, after that he was risen {G1453} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This was now the third time Yeshua had appeared to the talmidim after being raised from the dead.

Berean Standard Bible

This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after He was raised from the dead.

American Standard Version

This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 21:14 marks a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John, explicitly stating that this appearance by the Sea of Tiberias was the third time Jesus manifested himself to a group of his disciples after his resurrection from the dead. This verse serves as a crucial historical marker, underscoring the undeniable reality of Christ's triumph over death and providing cumulative proof to his followers, solidifying their faith and preparing them for their future mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the narrative of Jesus' third major post-resurrection appearance to his disciples as a group, specifically to seven of them by the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee), as detailed in [John 21](/john/21 "John 21 - Jesus Appears by the Sea of Tiberias"). It follows a miraculous catch of fish, reminiscent of their initial calling, and a shared breakfast on the shore. The immediate preceding verses recount Peter's impulsive leap into the water upon recognizing Jesus and the disciples dragging the net full of 153 large fish to shore. This event sets the stage for the subsequent intimate conversation between Jesus and Peter, where Peter is restored and commissioned, highlighting the continuity of Jesus' pastoral care and leadership transfer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting in Galilee, specifically by the Sea of Tiberias (also known as the Sea of Galilee), is significant. It was the primary region of Jesus' public ministry and the home of many of his disciples. After the traumatic events of the crucifixion and the initial resurrection appearances in Jerusalem, the disciples had returned to their familiar livelihoods, fishing. This return to Galilee and their former occupation reflects a period of uncertainty and transition for them. Jesus' appearance here, engaging in a common meal and demonstrating his power over creation (the fish), would have been deeply reassuring and grounding, affirming his physical presence and divine authority within a familiar cultural context of communal eating and fishing as a livelihood.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **undeniable reality of the resurrection**. The explicit numbering ("third time") emphasizes the cumulative and irrefutable evidence provided by Jesus himself to his chosen witnesses. This appearance, like the others (e.g., [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples") and [John 20:26](/john/20-26 "John 20:26 - Jesus Appears to Thomas and the Disciples")), served to **confirm the disciples' faith** and dispel any doubt about his victory over death. It also highlights the **continuity of Jesus' relationship** with his followers, demonstrating his ongoing care and intention to commission them for their future ministry, particularly evident in the restoration of Peter in the subsequent verses of [John 21](/john/21 "John 21 - Jesus Appears by the Sea of Tiberias").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **trítos (Greek, _trítos'_):** This word, translated as "third time," is an ordinal number emphasizing the sequence and repetition of Jesus' post-resurrection manifestations. Its inclusion here is deliberate, serving as a numerical marker that underscores the cumulative and undeniable evidence of Jesus' physical appearances to his disciples, solidifying the reality of his resurrection through multiple eyewitness accounts.
* **phaneróō (Greek, _phaneróō'_):** Translated as "shewed himself," this verb means "to render apparent," "to make manifest," or "to reveal." It implies a clear, undeniable, and purposeful act of making oneself visible. This is not a fleeting glimpse or an ambiguous vision, but a distinct and unmistakable manifestation, reinforcing the certainty of Jesus' physical presence and identity after rising from the dead.
* **egeírō (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb, used in the phrase "was risen," signifies "to waken," "to rouse," or "to raise up," particularly from sleep, disease, or death. In this context, it unequivocally refers to Jesus' bodily resurrection from the grave, highlighting the miraculous and transformative event that underpins all his post-resurrection appearances and the entirety of Christian faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This is now the third time":** This opening clause immediately establishes the numerical significance of the current event. It points back to previous group appearances, signaling that this is not an isolated incident but part of a deliberate pattern of Jesus revealing himself to his disciples, building a robust body of evidence for his resurrection.
* **"that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples":** This phrase emphasizes the active agency of Jesus in revealing his resurrected self. He was not merely "seen" by chance, but he "shewed himself," implying a purposeful manifestation to his chosen followers. The term "disciples" here refers to the specific group present, but also represents the broader community of those who followed him, to whom the reality of his resurrection was paramount.
* **"after that he was risen from the dead.":** This concluding clause provides the foundational context for the entire verse. The appearances are explicitly linked to and dependent upon Jesus' resurrection from the dead. This clarifies that these are not pre-crucifixion encounters, nor are they mere spiritual visions, but tangible manifestations of a living, resurrected Christ who has conquered death.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Emphasis** through numerical specificity. By explicitly stating "the third time," the author underscores the cumulative and undeniable nature of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, reinforcing the reality of his resurrection for the reader. This numerical detail also serves as a form of **Repetition**, echoing the pattern of multiple witnesses and repeated confirmations found throughout the New Testament accounts of the resurrection. Furthermore, there is an element of **Climax** in the narrative, as this third appearance often precedes significant commissioning or instruction, bringing the disciples to a point of full conviction and readiness for their future mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 21:14 serves as a crucial theological anchor, firmly establishing the historical reality of Jesus' bodily resurrection through repeated, tangible encounters. The emphasis on "the third time" is not merely a chronological detail but a theological affirmation of the certainty and sufficiency of the evidence provided to the disciples. These appearances were not fleeting visions but concrete interactions, designed to transform doubt into unwavering conviction and fear into courageous witness. This verse underscores the foundational truth of Christianity: that Christ truly conquered death, and his victory is not a spiritual metaphor but a historical event with profound implications for human salvation and the hope of eternal life. The resurrected Christ continues to interact with his followers, demonstrating his ongoing care and preparing them for their mission to proclaim the Gospel.

* [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples")
* [John 20:26](/john/20-26 "John 20:26 - Jesus Appears to Thomas and the Disciples")
* [Acts 1:3](/acts/1-3 "Acts 1:3 - Many Infallible Proofs of the Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The explicit statement that this was the "third time" Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection is profoundly significant for believers today. It highlights Jesus' deliberate and patient efforts to confirm his victory over death, not just to a few, but to a collective body of witnesses. This repeated manifestation was essential for solidifying their faith, dispelling their fears, and equipping them to be bold proclaimers of the Gospel. For us, this historical bedrock provides an unshakeable foundation for our own faith in the resurrected Christ. It reminds us that our hope is not built on myth or wishful thinking, but on the verifiable reality of a living Savior. Just as Jesus patiently revealed himself to his disciples, he continues to reveal himself to us through His Word, His Spirit, and His Church, calling us to a deeper relationship and empowering us for our own witness in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the multiple post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, as highlighted in this verse, strengthen your personal faith in His resurrection?**
* **What does Jesus' continued interaction with his disciples, even after his resurrection, teach us about His enduring care and commitment to His followers?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or encourage you to be a more confident witness to the reality of the resurrected Christ in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "third time" mentioned specifically?**

Answer: The explicit mention of "the third time" serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides a chronological marker, indicating that this appearance is distinct from and subsequent to the two previous group appearances recorded in [John 20](/john/20 "John 20 - Resurrection Appearances"). Secondly, it emphasizes the cumulative nature of the evidence for Jesus' resurrection. Multiple, distinct appearances to various groups of disciples provided irrefutable proof, transforming their initial fear and doubt into unwavering conviction. This repetition underscores the certainty and reliability of the resurrection accounts, laying a firm foundation for the disciples' future witness.

**Who were "his disciples" in this specific context?**

Answer: While the term "his disciples" can refer broadly to all followers of Jesus, in the immediate context of [John 21:14](/john/21-14 "John 21:14 - The Third Appearance"), it refers specifically to the seven disciples mentioned by name in [John 21:2](/john/21-2 "John 21:2 - Disciples by the Sea of Tiberias"): Simon Peter, Thomas (Didymus), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee (James and John), and two other unnamed disciples. This group represents a significant portion of the inner circle, and their collective witness to the resurrected Christ was vital for the early church's foundation.

**What was the overall purpose of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances?**

Answer: Jesus' post-resurrection appearances served multiple vital purposes. Primarily, they provided **infallible proof of his bodily resurrection** ([Acts 1:3](/acts/1-3 "Acts 1:3 - Many Infallible Proofs")), confirming his victory over sin and death and validating his claims as the Son of God. They also served to **comfort and reassure his grieving and fearful disciples**, transforming their sorrow into joy and their doubt into faith. Furthermore, these appearances were crucial for **commissioning and empowering his disciples** for their future mission of spreading the Gospel to the world ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). They provided direct instruction, restored broken relationships (like Peter's), and prepared them for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 21:14, by explicitly marking the "third time" Jesus "shewed himself" after being "risen from the dead," powerfully underscores the Christ-centered reality of the Gospel. These post-resurrection appearances are the ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's triumph over death and his establishment of an eternal kingdom (e.g., [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead")). Jesus' bodily resurrection, confirmed by these repeated manifestations, is the cornerstone of Christian faith, validating his identity as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. It is through His death and resurrection that sin is atoned for and eternal life is offered to all who believe. The appearances transformed the disciples from fearful individuals into courageous witnesses, empowered by the living Christ to proclaim the good news. This divine pattern of revelation and commissioning continues through the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to indwell believers, ensuring His abiding presence and empowering His church to carry on His mission until His glorious return (e.g., [John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit") and [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to be Witnesses")). The reality of the resurrected Christ, attested by these historical encounters, is the very hope of our own resurrection and eternal life with Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 20:26

¶ And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: [then] came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace [be] unto you.

John 20:19

¶ 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.