Jesus Restores Peter: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on John 21

Executive Summary ✨

John 21, focusing on Jesus Restores Peter’s Faith, offers a powerful post-Resurrection narrative demonstrating divine forgiveness and the commissioning of apostles. The miraculous catch of fish recalls earlier encounters, signifying the apostles’ vocation to be fishers of men. Jesus’ threefold questioning of Peter about his love mirrors Peter’s threefold denial, offering him restorative grace and reaffirming his leadership role within the nascent Church. This chapter underscores the themes of repentance, forgiveness, discipleship, and obedience. It holds profound significance for Coptic Orthodox believers, reminding us that no sin is beyond God’s forgiving love and that through faithful service, we can each fulfill our unique calling within the Body of Christ. This passage calls each one of us to examine the depths of our love for Christ and to follow Him with unwavering devotion, understanding that His grace is sufficient for all our weaknesses. The restored Peter is then tasked to lead the church, and this is another important element when migrating a church.

Introduction 📖

John 21 serves as an epilogue to the Gospel of John, providing a poignant glimpse into the resurrected Christ’s interactions with His disciples. The chapter emphasizes the restoration of Peter, highlighting the boundless mercy and grace offered to those who have stumbled. This section serves as an integral component of the Gospel narrative, further cementing the apostles’ roles in spreading Christianity. Through this chapter, we witness the enduring love of God and are called to consider our own commitment to following Christ. The chapter underscores the restoration of fellowship and the renewal of divine calling.

Commentary Sections

John 21:1-3: The Appearance at the Sea of Tiberias

Μετὰ ταῦτα ἐφανέρωσεν ἑαυτὸν πάλιν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοῖς μαθηταῖς ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης τῆς Τιβεριάδος· ἐφανέρωσεν δὲ οὕτως. ἦσαν ὁμοῦ Σίμων Πέτρος καὶ Θωμᾶς ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος καὶ Ναθαναὴλ ὁ ἀπὸ Κανᾶ τῆς Γαλιλαίας καὶ οἱ τοῦ Ζεβεδαίου καὶ ἄλλοι ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ δύο. λέγει αὐτοῖς Σίμων Πέτρος· ὑπάγω ἁλιεύειν. λέγουσιν αὐτῷ· ἐρχόμεθα καὶ ἡμεῖς μετὰ σοῦ. ἐξῆλθον καὶ εἰσέβησαν εἰς τὸ πλοῖον, καὶ ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ νυκτὶ ἐπίασαν οὐδέν. (John 21:1-3, Greek NT)

After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias; and in this way He showed Himself. There were together Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and entered the boat, and that night they caught nothing. (John 21:1-3, NKJV)

The Sea of Tiberias, also known as the Sea of Galilee, was a central location for Jesus’ ministry. The disciples’ return to fishing may indicate a temporary lapse into their former lives, perhaps fueled by uncertainty following Jesus’ crucifixion. However, it’s crucial to understand that the disciples were also trying to provide for themselves. The phrase “that night they caught nothing” subtly prefigures the miraculous catch to come, illustrating that their efforts are ultimately fruitless without Christ’s intervention. Saint Augustine notes, “Sine me nihil potestis facere” (“Without me, you can do nothing,” John 15:5, Augustine, *Tractates on the Gospel of John* 81.3). The geographical context reminds us of the physical reality of Christ’s ministry and the everyday lives of his disciples. Spiritual Application: We must constantly seek God’s guidance in all our endeavors, recognizing that our efforts alone are insufficient. Even in our past, we can be re-directed by Jesus.

John 21:4-6: The Miraculous Catch

Πρωΐας δὲ ἤδη γενομένης ἔστη ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς τὸν αἰγιαλόν· οὐ μέντοι ᾔδεισαν οἱ μαθηταὶ ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν. λέγει οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· παιδία, μή τι προσφάγιον ἔχετε; ἀπεκρίθησαν αὐτῷ· οὔ. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· βάλετε εἰς τὰ δεξιὰ μέρη τοῦ πλοίου τὸ δίκτυον, καὶ εὑρήσετε. ἔβαλον οὖν, καὶ οὐκέτι αὐτὸ ἑλκύσαι ἴσχυον ἀπὸ τοῦ πλήθους τῶν ἰχθύων. (John 21:4-6, Greek NT)

But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. (John 21:4-6, NKJV)

The miraculous catch mirrors the earlier calling of the disciples (Luke 5:1-11), reinforcing their mission as “fishers of men.” The specificity of casting the net on the “right side” highlights the importance of obedience to Christ’s instructions. The inability to haul the net in due to the abundance of fish symbolizes the overwhelming success that comes from following Christ’s guidance. St. Cyril of Alexandria comments, “The right side signifies the path of righteousness, the path that leads to Christ.” (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on John*, Book 12). Spiritual Application: We should embrace humility and recognize God’s hand in our lives. Obedience to God’s commands, even when seemingly illogical, leads to abundant blessings. This teaches us how to follow God’s commandments.

John 21:7-14: Recognition and the Meal

λέγει οὖν ὁ μαθητὴς ἐκεῖνος ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ Ἰησοῦς τῷ Πέτρῳ· ὁ Κύριός ἐστιν. Σίμων οὖν Πέτρος ἀκούσας ὅτι ὁ Κύριός ἐστιν, τὸν ἐπενδύτην διεζώσατο (ἦν γὰρ γυμνός) καὶ ἔβαλεν ἑαυτὸν εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν. οἱ δὲ ἄλλοι μαθηταὶ τῷ πλοιαρίῳ ἦλθον (οὐ γὰρ ἦσαν μακρὰν ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς, ἀλλ’ ὡς ἀπὸ πηχῶν διακοσίων), σύροντες τὸ δίκτυον τῶν ἰχθύων. ὡς οὖν ἀπέβησαν εἰς τὴν γῆν, βλέπουσιν ἀνθρακιὰν κειμένην καὶ ὀψάριον ἐπικείμενον καὶ ἄρτον. λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· ἐνέγκατε ἀπὸ τῶν ὀψαρίων ὧν ἐπιάσατε νῦν. ἀνέβη Σίμων Πέτρος καὶ εἵλκυσεν τὸ δίκτυον ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, μεστὸν ἰχθύων μεγάλων ἑκατὸν πεντήκοντα τριῶν· καὶ τοσούτων ὄντων οὐκ ἐσχίσθη τὸ δίκτυον. λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· δεῦτε ἀριστήσατε. οὐδεὶς δὲ ἐτόλμα τῶν μαθητῶν ἐξετάσαι αὐτόν· σὺ τίς εἶ; εἰδότες ὅτι ὁ Κύριός ἐστιν. ἔρχεται ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ λαμβάνει τὸν ἄρτον καὶ δίδωσιν αὐτοῖς, καὶ τὸ ὀψάριον ὁμοίως. τοῦτο ἤδη τρίτον ἐφανερώθη ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοῖς μαθηταῖς ἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν. (John 21:7-14, Greek NT)

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he was naked) and plunged into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with the fish. Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. (John 21:7-14, NKJV)

John’s recognition of Jesus highlights the role of spiritual discernment. Peter’s impetuous leap into the sea demonstrates his passionate devotion, even after his denial. The charcoal fire may evoke Peter’s earlier denial in front of a charcoal fire (John 18:18). Jesus provides bread and fish, prefiguring the Eucharist and signifying the provision of spiritual nourishment. The number 153 has been interpreted in various ways, with some Fathers suggesting it represents the totality of people from all nations who will be saved. The unbroken net is a symbol of the unity of the Church. Spiritual Application: Cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize God’s presence. Embrace repentance and seek reconciliation after failures. Participate in the Eucharist to receive spiritual nourishment. St. Gregory of Nyssa tells us: “For if, by the power of the blessing, the water is altered in quality and operation, transferring it into something holier, does not the bread also…change into the Divine Body?” (Gregory of Nyssa, *Great Catechism* 37). The preparation of the meal by Jesus shows his humble and continued service to his disciples, reminding us of our Lord’s humility and servant heart. The provision of food is a concrete demonstration of Christ’s care for his disciples.

John 21:15-17: Jesus Restores Peter

Ὅτε οὖν ἠρίστησαν, λέγει τῷ Σίμωνι Πέτρῳ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Σίμων Ἰωάννου, ἀγαπᾷς με πλέον τούτων; λέγει αὐτῷ· ναὶ Κύριε, σὺ οἶδας ὅτι φιλῶ σε. λέγει αὐτῷ· βόσκε τὰ ἀρνία μου. λέγει αὐτῷ πάλιν δεύτερον· Σίμων Ἰωάννου, ἀγαπᾷς με; λέγει αὐτῷ· ναὶ Κύριε, σὺ οἶδας ὅτι φιλῶ σε. λέγει αὐτῷ· ποίμαινε τὰ πρόβατά μου. λέγει αὐτῷ τὸ τρίτον· Σίμων Ἰωάννου, φιλεῖς με; ἐλυπήθη ὁ Πέτρος ὅτι εἶπεν αὐτῷ τὸ τρίτον· φιλεῖς με; καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· Κύριε, σὺ πάντα οἶδας, σὺ γινώσκεις ὅτι φιλῶ σε. λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· βόσκε τὰ πρόβατά μου. (John 21:15-17, Greek NT)

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.” (John 21:15-17, NKJV)

This is the core of the chapter, where Jesus Restores Peter’s Faith. Jesus’ threefold questioning mirrors Peter’s threefold denial (John 18:15-27), providing him with an opportunity for restoration. The distinction between *agapao* (divine love) and *phileo* (brotherly love) in the Greek text is often debated, but the ultimate message is that Jesus calls for genuine love and devotion. The commission to “feed My lambs” and “tend My sheep” entrusts Peter with the care of Christ’s followers, emphasizing the importance of pastoral leadership. St. John Chrysostom elaborates: “Christ asked Peter three times, ‘Do you love me?’, and three times He entrusted His flock to him, thus showing how much He cares for His sheep and how important it is for the shepherd to love Christ.” (John Chrysostom, *Homilies on the Gospel of John*, Homily 88). Spiritual Application: Embrace opportunities for repentance and restoration. Demonstrate love for Christ through service to others. Accept the responsibility of caring for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We learn here the importance of forgiveness, for it is through forgiveness that restoration happens. God asks us to love Him above all else, more than the things we hold dear. God wants to see us love each other, too, to care for each other, and to support one another in our walk of faith.

John 21:18-19: Prophecy of Peter’s Death

ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω σοι, ὅτε ἦς νεώτερος, ἐζώννυες σεαυτὸν καὶ περιεπάτεις ὅπου ἤθελες· ὅταν δὲ γηράσῃς, ἐκτενεῖς τὰς χεῖράς σου, καὶ ἄλλος σε ζώσει καὶ οἴσει ὅπου οὐ θέλεις. τοῦτο δὲ εἶπεν σημαίνων ποίῳ θανάτῳ δοξάσει τὸν θεόν. καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν λέγει αὐτῷ· ἀκολούθει μοι. (John 21:18-19, Greek NT)

Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had said this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” (John 21:18-19, NKJV)

This passage prophesies Peter’s martyrdom, highlighting the ultimate sacrifice he would make for his faith. The image of being “carried where you do not wish” suggests the loss of control and the acceptance of God’s will. Peter’s death would glorify God, demonstrating the power of unwavering faith even in the face of death. The final command, “Follow Me,” reaffirms the call to discipleship and selfless service. Eusebius of Caesarea, in his *Ecclesiastical History*, documents Peter’s eventual martyrdom by crucifixion in Rome. Spiritual Application: Be prepared to make sacrifices for our faith. Embrace God’s will, even when it is difficult. Strive to live a life that glorifies God through our actions. It reminds us that the path of faith may lead to suffering, but it also leads to glorifying God. We must be willing to sacrifice our own desires and comforts for the sake of following Christ.

John 21:20-23: The Question About John

Ἐπιστραφεὶς ὁ Πέτρος βλέπει τὸν μαθητὴν ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀκολουθοῦντα, ὃς καὶ ἀνέπεσεν ἐν τῷ δείπνῳ ἐπὶ τὸ στῆθος αὐτοῦ καὶ εἶπεν· Κύριε, τίς ἐστιν ὁ παραδιδούς σε; τοῦτον ἰδὼν ὁ Πέτρος λέγει τῷ Ἰησοῦ· Κύριε, οὗτος δὲ τί; λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· ἐὰν θέλω αὐτὸν μένειν ἕως ἔρχομαι, τί πρὸς σέ; σὺ ἀκολούθει μοι. ἐξῆλθεν οὖν ὁ λόγος οὗτος εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς ὅτι ὁ μαθητὴς ἐκεῖνος οὐκ ἀποθνῄσκει· καὶ οὐκ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς ὅτι οὐκ ἀποθνῄσκει, ἀλλ’ ἐὰν θέλω αὐτὸν μένειν ἕως ἔρχομαι, τί πρὸς σέ; (John 21:20-23, Greek NT)

Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” (John 21:20-23, NKJV)

Peter’s concern about John’s fate reflects a common human tendency to compare ourselves to others. Jesus’ response emphasizes the importance of focusing on our own individual calling and relationship with Him. The speculation about John’s immortality highlights the dangers of misinterpreting Jesus’ words. Jesus’ reminder that it is none of his business what Jesus wills for another disciple is a reminder that we all have different pathways, and that we have to focus on our own. The question “What is that to you?” points us to the need to be solely focused on our own personal relationship with God. Spiritual Application: Avoid comparing ourselves to others. Focus on fulfilling our own unique calling. Interpret scripture carefully and avoid spreading unfounded rumors. God has a plan for each of us, and we must be mindful to focus on our own journey of faith.

John 21:24-25: Conclusion to the Gospel

Οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ μαθητὴς ὁ μαρτυρῶν περὶ τούτων καὶ γράψας ταῦτα, καὶ οἴδαμεν ὅτι ἀληθὴς ἐστιν ἡ μαρτυρία αὐτοῦ. ἔστιν δὲ καὶ ἄλλα πολλὰ ἃ ἐποίησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ἅτινα ἐὰν γράφηται καθ’ ἕν, οὐδὲ αὐτὸν οἶμαι τὸν κόσμον χωρῆσαι τὰ γραφόμενα βιβλία. ἀμήν. (John 21:24-25, Greek NT)

This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. (John 21:24-25, NKJV)

This concluding statement affirms the truthfulness of John’s Gospel and acknowledges the limitations of any written account to fully capture the immensity of Jesus’ ministry. The Gospel of John offers a selection of the most important things that occurred in the life of Jesus. While the passage acknowledges that there are more things that Jesus said and did, the author of the book claims he has done everything to present the most important things. Spiritual Application: Value the scriptures as a reliable source of truth. Recognize the inexhaustible nature of God’s grace and love. Be open to encountering Christ in new and unexpected ways. Embrace the abundance of God’s love for us.

Subtopic Sections

The themes within John 21 provide numerous reflections for the modern Christian.

• Repentance and Forgiveness: Peter’s restoration demonstrates the transformative power of repentance and the boundless forgiveness offered by Christ.
• Discipleship and Obedience: The miraculous catch highlights the importance of following Christ’s instructions and trusting in His guidance.
• Pastoral Leadership: Peter’s commission underscores the responsibility of caring for Christ’s flock with love and compassion.
• Individual Calling: Jesus’ response to Peter’s question about John emphasizes the importance of focusing on our own unique calling and relationship with God.
• Sacrificial Love: The prophecy of Peter’s death reminds us that following Christ may require sacrifices, but ultimately leads to glorifying God.
• Trust in God’s Plan: We are called to trust God’s will even when we do not understand it, knowing that He has a plan for each of us.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about John 21:

• Why did the disciples go back to fishing after Jesus’ resurrection? This may indicate a temporary period of uncertainty and adjustment as they grappled with the reality of the Resurrection. They may also have needed to provide for themselves, given they had likely abandoned their livelihoods.
• What is the significance of the number 153 in the miraculous catch? Various interpretations exist, including the idea that it represents the totality of all nations that would be saved, or the different species of fish known at that time. It is a debated topic but overall it’s important to understand that God is the one who provides.
• Why did Jesus ask Peter three times if he loved Him? This mirrored Peter’s threefold denial of Jesus and provided him with an opportunity to publicly reaffirm his love and loyalty. This also demonstrates God’s forgiveness.
• What does it mean to “feed My lambs” and “tend My sheep”? This refers to the pastoral care and leadership that Peter was entrusted with, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and guiding Christ’s followers. Christ charges Peter to take care of his church.

Conclusion

John 21 offers a compelling conclusion to the Gospel of John, solidifying the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and discipleship. The restoration of Peter stands as a testament to the boundless mercy of Christ and the transformative power of grace. By studying how Jesus Restores Peter’s Faith, we can learn to recognize God’s presence in our lives, embrace opportunities for reconciliation, and follow Christ with unwavering devotion. Each of us has a distinct calling from God, and He calls us to love Him above all else, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us strive to fulfill our unique purpose within the Body of Christ, offering our lives as a testament to His enduring love and grace. The importance of restoration and forgiveness are powerful takeaways in this chapter.

Tags

Jesus, Peter, Restoration, Forgiveness, Discipleship, Sea of Tiberias, Miraculous Catch, Love, Sheep, Lambs

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Explore John 21: Jesus Restores Peter’s Faith. A Coptic Orthodox commentary on forgiveness, discipleship, and Christ’s enduring love and calling to leadership.