Jesus by the sea
John 21:1–14FocusRecognition and provision
Connection to the wholeThe catch and meal bring another appearance of the risen Jesus to the disciples in the setting of their work.
interpretation John 21:15
KJVSo 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.
Read it in context
Peter's charge
Start reading at John 21:15 (John 21:15 to John 21:19).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus' questions and commands renew Peter's responsibility to care for His sheep and point toward the cost of following Him.
- 21:15 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.
- 21:16 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.
- 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
- 21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst 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.
- 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 21:1–21:25): Seven disciples meet the risen Jesus beside the sea of Tiberias. Jesus then addresses Peter concerning love and service, with the beloved disciple following. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Peter's charge. Read John 21:15 through John 21:19 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus' questions and commands renew Peter's responsibility to care for His sheep and point toward the cost of following Him. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Peter's charge (John 21:15 to John 21:19). Start reading at John 21:15. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 21:15, John 21:19, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- son John 21:16-17 John 1:42
- Jona Matt 16:17
- Bar-jona John 8:42 John 14:15-24 John 16:27 Matt 10:37 Matt 25:34-45 1 Cor 16:21-22 2 Cor 5:14-15 Gal 5:6
- more John 21:7 Matt 26:33,35 Mark 14:29
- thou knowest John 21:17 2 Sam 7:20 2 Kgs 20:3 Heb 4:13 Rev 2:23
- Feed Ps 78:70-72 Jer 3:15 Jer 23:4 Ezek 34:2-10,23 Acts 20:28 1 Tim 4:15-16 Heb 13:20 1 Pet 2:25
- lambs Gen 33:13 Isa 40:11 Matt 18:10-11 Luke 22:32 Rom 14:1 Rom 15:1 1 Cor 3:1-3 1 Cor 8:11
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 21
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
FocusLove and care for the flock
Connection to the wholeJesus' questions and commands renew Peter's responsibility to care for His sheep and point toward the cost of following Him.
interpretation Following and faithful testimony
John 21:20–25FocusPeter, the other disciple, and the account
Connection to the wholeJesus redirects comparison toward personal obedience, and the closing testimony affirms the witness behind the written account.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.