John 21:19

This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

{G1161} This {G5124} spake he {G2036}, signifying {G4591} by what {G4169} death {G2288} he should glorify {G1392} God {G2316}. And {G2532} when he had spoken {G2036} this {G5124}, he saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Follow {G190} me {G3427}.

He said this to indicate the kind of death by which Kefa would bring glory to God. Then Yeshua said to him, “Follow me!”

Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me.”

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.

John 21:19 is a pivotal verse in the Gospel of John, immediately following Jesus' three-fold question to Peter, "Lovest thou me?" and Peter's subsequent restoration. Here, Jesus prophesies Peter's future martyrdom and then issues a direct, profound call to continued discipleship.

Context

This verse is part of the final chapter of John's Gospel, detailing Jesus' third post-resurrection appearance to His disciples, specifically by the Sea of Tiberias. The preceding verses (John 21:15-17) describe Jesus' tender restoration of Peter, who had famously denied Him three times before the crucifixion (John 18:27). Having recommissioned Peter to "feed my sheep," Jesus then turns to foretell the manner of Peter's death, emphasizing that even this suffering would serve a divine purpose.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Prophecy of Martyrdom: Jesus explicitly reveals that Peter's life would end in a way that would "glorify God," specifically through death. Church tradition holds that Peter was crucified, perhaps even upside down, out of humility, not considering himself worthy to die in the same manner as Christ. This prophecy underlines the cost of true discipleship.
  • Discipleship and Suffering: The immediate command, "Follow me," comes directly after the prediction of Peter's costly death. This highlights that following Jesus is not always easy; it may involve hardship, persecution, and even death. It echoes Jesus' earlier teachings about taking up his cross daily.
  • Glorifying God in Death: The phrase "signifying by what death he should glorify God" is profound. It teaches that even in the most extreme circumstances, such as martyrdom, a believer's life (and death) can bring honor and praise to God. Peter's ultimate sacrifice would serve as a powerful testimony to Christ's power and truth (Philippians 1:20).
  • Unconditional Call to Follow: Despite Peter's past failures and the grim prophecy, Jesus' call to "Follow me" is unwavering. It signifies complete restoration and a renewed, lifelong commitment to Christ, echoing Jesus' initial call to Peter to be a fisher of men.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "glorify God" comes from the Greek word doxazo (δοξάζω), meaning to magnify, honor, or cause to have glory. In this context, Peter's death would reveal God's glory and power, demonstrating the profound impact of faith even unto death. The command "Follow me" is from the Greek akoloutheo (ἀκολουθέω), which means to accompany, to go after, or to be a disciple. It's a recurring invitation from Jesus throughout the Gospels, signifying obedience, devotion, and alignment with His purpose.

Practical Application

For believers today, John 21:19 offers several powerful lessons:

  • Cost of Discipleship: True discipleship may require personal sacrifice and hardship. We are called to follow Christ regardless of the cost, finding our purpose in His will.
  • Purpose in Suffering: Even in suffering, trials, or difficult circumstances, our lives can bring glory to God. Our response to adversity can be a powerful testimony to His grace and strength.
  • God's Restorative Grace: Like Peter, we may fail, but God's grace is sufficient to restore and recommission us. His call to "Follow me" is extended even after our shortcomings, inviting us into renewed purpose.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Peter 1:14

    Knowing that shortly I must put off [this] my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

  • John 21:22

    Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee? follow thou me.

  • Matthew 10:38

    And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

  • Philippians 1:20

    According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.

  • John 13:36

    ¶ Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

  • John 13:37

    Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

  • Mark 8:33

    But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

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