Gospel of John
Chapter XXI

King James Bible Text

Study Notes Commentary

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

Verse 1 On this wise means in this way! Jesus can "appear" to you! How? Just ask with a prayer from your heart! Remember, John is telling Jesus’ story and yours!
 

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.

Verse 2 Didymus is Thomas’ last name. Nathanael is Philip’s friend and fellow disciple, and Zebedee is the father of the apostles James and John – they were all fishermen from Galilee!

3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

Verse 3 Seven disciples – quite a boatload! It doesn’t seem like a good night for fishing! Ha! They think they’re just going fishing! Hang on a moment – they’re in for a big surprise!
 

4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
 

Verse 4 Yes, Jesus appears again – on the shore in view of His disciples! And again, they don’t recognize Him! He’s with you too! And you are beginning to know that – right? Whee!

5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

Verse 5 Jesus asks, "Boys, have you got anything to eat – did you catch any fish?"
 

7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

Verse 7 John recognizes Jesus and tells Peter, "It is the Lord!" Peter is so excited he jumps into the sea! But first, he puts something on, so he won’t be naked when he greets Jesus! (Girt means clothed! In Jewish tradition, greeting is regarded as a religious act.)

 

8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

Verse 8 Cubit is an ancient measure of length; originally the length of the arm from the end of the middle finger to the elbow! (12–8 inches)! Curious how far that is? Go ahead – work it out!
 

9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

Verse 9 "Party on!" You bet it’s a big celebration! Jesus is alive and so are you! Do you know what you have been given? LIFE!

10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
 

Verse 10 "Show Me your catch," says Jesus! Are you Jesus’ catch? Are you one of His? Remember, He said, "I will make you fishers of men!"

11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

Verse 11 The disciples are amazed their nets are not torn with the weight of the fish! Yes! You are His catch! And now, you, too are a "fisher of men!"
 

12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

Verse 12 Durst means dared! The disciples don’t dare ask, "Who are you?" But they know it’s Jesus! Do you dare to include yourself in? Jesus says to you, "Come and dine!"
 

13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

Verse 13 Jesus’ only job (His Father’s business) is to feed you the Word of God! Eat, drink and be merry – today you are alive!

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

Verse 14 By His third appearance, the disciples must realize Jesus didn’t die! HE’S ALIVE! He resurrected! The Truth is, at no single moment does the body exist at all! So there is no death! Hey – is this making sense to you?!

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, 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.

Verse 15 Jesus asks Simon Peter if he loves Him more than anything else! He then asks Simon Peter for his promise to look after the innocent ones – the believers! Now Jesus asks you to give up your "worldly ways" and follow Him!

 

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Verse 16 A second time Jesus asks for a promise from Simon Peter – He means it! "Look after the Dear Ones – My sheep!" What is the food for His sheep? The Word of God!
 

Verse 17 He asks Simon Peter a third time, so that Simon Peter can be aware of his own doubts and not be afraid of them! Did you notice? Three denials – three declarations of devotion! Now there’s a healing! Are you in doubt? Ask for healing! You have your own Comforter – the Holy Spirit – and it’s possible to accept Him and hear his Voice right now! "Feed my sheep!"

18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest 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.

Verse 18 Verily means truly! When you were young, you had your own ideas about things! Put away childish ideas and let God wrap you and carry you where you wouldn’t dare go by yourself! "Not my will but Thine, Father!" FORGIVE YOUR ENEMIES!

 

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

Verse 19 The "death" Jesus is speaking of is the death of old ideas of hatred and attack! Glorify God and follow Jesus! There is no death!
 

20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

Verse 20 Peter is asking Jesus a pointless question! Why? Because Jesus was not betrayed or killed – He’s alive!


 

21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

 

Verse 21 Can you see how doubtful Peter is? He’s just full of questions! Are you willing to let your doubts and meaningless questions go? You need only ask, "What should I do?" Let God show you what to do!

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

Verse 22 Tarry means stay awhile. Jesus’ direction to Peter (that means you) is, "Follow Me!" Why would you concern yourself with anything else? Will you follow Jesus now?

23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.