Lectionary Calendar
Saturday, July 19th, 2025
the Week of Proper 10 / Ordinary 15
the Week of Proper 10 / Ordinary 15
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Bible Commentaries
Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament Robertson's Word Pictures
Copyright Statement
The Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament. Copyright © Broadman Press 1932,33, Renewal 1960. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman Press (Southern Baptist Sunday School Board)
The Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament. Copyright © Broadman Press 1932,33, Renewal 1960. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman Press (Southern Baptist Sunday School Board)
Bibliographical Information
Robertson, A.T. "Commentary on John 21". "Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament". https://studylight.org/commentaries/eng/rwp/john-21.html. Broadman Press 1932,33. Renewal 1960.
Robertson, A.T. "Commentary on John 21". "Robertson's Word Pictures of the New Testament". https://studylight.org/
Whole Bible (48)New Testament (18)Gospels Only (4)Individual Books (12)
Verse 1
Manifested himself (εÏανεÏοÏεν ÎµÎ±Ï Ïον). First aorist active indicative of ÏανεÏÎ¿Ï with the reflexive pronoun (cf. John 7:4; John 13:4). For the passive see John 1:31; John 21:14. Jesus was only seen during the forty days now and then (Acts 1:3), ten instances being recorded. The word ÏανεÏÎ¿Ï is often used of Christ on earth (John 1:31; John 2:11; 1 Peter 1:20; 1 John 1:2), of his works (John 3:5), of the second coming (1 John 2:28), of Christ in glory (Colossians 3:4; 1 John 3:2).
At (εÏ). By or upon.
Of Tiberias (ÏÎ·Ï Î¤Î¹Î²ÎµÏιαδοÏ). As in John 6:1 instead of the usual "Sea of Galilee." Tiberias, the capital city of Galilee, gave this epithet to the Sea of Galilee. This is not the appearance in Galilee prearranged by Jesus (Mark 16:7; Matthew 28:7; Matthew 28:16).
Verse 2
There were together (ηÏαν Î¿Î¼Î¿Ï ). These seven (Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee, and two others). We know that the sons of Zebedee were James and John (Matthew 4:21), mentioned by name nowhere in John's Gospel, apparently because John is the author. We do not know who the "two others of his disciples" were, possibly Andrew and Philip. It seems to me to be crass criticism in spite of Harnack and Bernard to identify the incident here with that in Luke 5:1-11. There are a few points of similarity, but the differences are too great for such identification even with a hypothetical common source.
Verse 3
I go a fishing (Ï ÏÎ±Î³Ï Î±Î»Î¹ÎµÏ ÎµÎ¹Î½). The present active infinitive Î±Î»Î¹ÎµÏ ÎµÎ¹Î½ expresses purpose as often. It is a late verb from Î±Î»Î¹ÎµÏ Ï (fisherman) and occurs in Jeremiah 16:16, in Philo, Plutarch, and one papyrus. Peter's proposal was a natural one. He had been a fisherman by practice and they were probably waiting in Galilee for the appointed meeting with Christ on the mountain. Andrew and Peter, James and John were fishermen also. Peter's proposition met a ready response from all.
They took (εÏιαÏαν). First aorist active indicative of ÏιαζÏ, Doric form for ÏιεζÏ, to catch.
Verse 4
When day was now breaking (ÏÏÏÎ¹Î±Ï Î·Î´Î· γινομενηÏ). Genitive absolute and note present middle participle (dawn coming on and still dark). In Matthew 27:1 the aorist participle (γενομενηÏ) means that dawn had come. For "beach" (αιγιαλον) see Matthew 13:2.
Was (εÏÏιν). Present indicative retained in indirect assertion.
Verse 5
Children (Παιδια). Diminutive of ÏÎ±Î¹Ï and used here alone by Jesus in addressing his disciples. It is a colloquial expression like "my boys." The aged Apostle John uses it in 1 John 2:13; 1 John 2:18.
Have ye aught to eat? (μη Ï ÏÏοÏÏαγιον εÏεÏε;). The negative answer is expected by this polite inquiry as in John 4:29. The rare and late word ÏÏοÏÏαγιον from the root Ïαγ (εÏθιÏ, to eat) and ÏÏÎ¿Ï (in addition) was used for a relish with bread and then for fish as here. So in the papyri. Nowhere else in the N.T.
Verse 6
The right side (ÎµÎ¹Ï Ïα δεξια μεÏη). Jesus knew where the fish were. For "net" (δικÏÏ Î¿Î½) see Matthew 4:20, here alone in John.
Were now not able to draw it (Î¿Ï ÎºÎµÏ Î±Ï Ïο ÎµÎ»ÎºÏ Ïα ιÏÏÏ Î¿Î½). Imperfect active picturing the disciples tugging at the net.
Verse 7
It is the Lord (ο ÎºÏ ÏÎ¹Î¿Ï ÎµÏÏιν). John's quick insight appears again.
Girt his coat about him (Ïον εÏÎµÎ½Î´Ï Ïην διεζÏÏαÏο). First aorist middle (indirect) indicative with which note διεζÏÏεν ÎµÎ±Ï Ïον in John 13:4. Apparently Peter threw on the upper garment or linen blouse (εÏÎµÎ½Î´Ï Ïην) worn by fishers over his waistcloth and tucked it under his girdle.
Verse 8
In the little boat (ÏÏ ÏλοιαÏιÏ). Locative case of ÏλοιαÏιον (diminutive) for the larger boat (Ïλοιον, verses John 21:3; John 21:6) could come no closer to shore. But the words seem interchangeable in John 6:17; John 6:19; John 6:21; John 6:22; John 6:24.
About two hundred cubits off (ÏÏ Î±Ïο ÏηÏÏν διακοÏιÏν). For ÏηÏÏ Ï, cubit, see Matthew 6:27 and for ÏÏ Î±Ïο see John 11:18.
Dragging (ÏÏ ÏονÏεÏ). Present active participle of ÏÏ ÏÏ for which see Acts 8:3.
Verse 9
Got out (αÏεβηÏαν). As in Luke 5:2.
They see (βλεÏÎ¿Ï Ïιν). Vivid historical present.
A fire of coals (ανθÏακιαν). See John 18:18 for this word. Cf. our "anthracite."
There (κειμενην). Lying as placed, present middle participle of κειμα.
Fish (οÏαÏιον). As in John 6:9; John 6:11, like ÏÏοÏÏαγιον above.
Laid thereon (εÏικειμενον). So broiling with bread ready (toast).
Verse 10
Which (Ïν). Ablative case by attraction from α to agree with οÏαÏιÏν. They had caught the fish by Christ's direction.
Verse 11
Went up (ανεβη). Into the little boat or dinghy.
Drew (ÎµÎ¹Î»ÎºÏ Ïεν). Same verb as ÎµÎ»ÎºÏ Ïα in verse John 21:6. Peter now did what they had failed to do.
Three (ÏÏιÏν). The addition "three" to the "hundred and fifty" looks as if they were actually counted these "large" (μεγαλÏν) fish. It was a great fish story that John recalls vividly.
Was not rent (Î¿Ï Îº εÏÏιÏθη). First aorist passive indicative of ÏÏιζÏ, to split (our word "schism").
Verse 12
Break your fast (αÏιÏÏηÏαÏε). First aorist active imperative of αÏιÏÏÎ±Ï from αÏιÏÏον, first to breakfast, as here and then later to dine as in Luke 11:37. What a delightful breakfast of fresh broiled fish just caught (verse John 21:10) with the hush of joyful surprise in the presence of the Risen Lord.
Durst (εÏολμα) Imperfect active of ÏολμαÏ. The restraint of silence continued.
Verse 13
Taketh the bread, and giveth them (λαμβανε Ïον αÏÏον κα διδÏÏιν Î±Ï ÏοιÏ). Vivid presents again. Jesus acts as host at this early breakfast, his last meal with these seven faithful followers.
Verse 14
Now the third time (Ïο ηδη ÏÏιÏον). "To the disciples" (apostles) John says, the two others being told by him (John 20:19; John 20:26) on the two Sunday evenings. There were four other appearances already (to Mary Magdalene, to the group of women, to the two on the way to Emmaus, to Peter).
Verse 15
Lovest thou me more than these? (αγαÏÎ±Î¹Ï Î¼Îµ Ïλεον ÏÎ¿Ï ÏÏν;). Ablative case of comparison ÏÎ¿Ï ÏÏν (disciples) after Ïλεον. Peter had even boasted that he would stand by Christ though all men forsook him (Mark 14:29). We do not know what passed between Jesus and Peter when Jesus first appeared to him (Luke 24:34). But here Christ probes the inmost recesses of Peter's heart to secure the humility necessary for service.
I love thee (ÏÎ¹Î»Ï ÏÏ ). Peter makes no claim here to superior love and passes by the "more than these" and does not even use Christ's word αγαÏÎ±Ï for high and devoted love, but the humbler word ÏÎ¹Î»ÎµÏ for love as a friend. He insists that Christ knows this in spite of his conduct.
Feed my lambs (ÎοÏκε Ïα αÏνια Î¼Î¿Ï ). For the old word βοÏÎºÏ (to feed as a herdsman) see Matthew 8:33. Present active imperative here. ÎÏνια is a diminutive of αÏÎ½Î¿Ï (lamb).
Verse 16
Lovest thou me? (αγαÏÎ±Î¹Ï Î¼Îµ;). This time Jesus drops the Ïλεον ÏÎ¿Ï ÏÏν and challenges Peter's own statement. Peter repeats the same words in reply.
Tend my sheep (Ïοιμαινε Ïα ÏÏοβαÏια). Present active imperative of ÏοιμαινÏ, old verb from Ïοιμην (shepherd), "shepherd my lambs" (ÏÏοβαÏια, diminutive of ÏÏοβαÏον, sheep).
Verse 17
Lovest thou me? (ÏÎ¹Î»ÎµÎ¹Ï Î¼Îµ;). This time Jesus picks up the word ÏÎ¹Î»ÎµÏ used by Peter and challenges that. These two words are often interchanged in the N.T., but here the distinction is preserved. Peter was cut to the heart (ÎµÎ»Ï Ïηθη, first aorist passive of Î»Ï ÏεÏ, to grieve) because Jesus challenges this very verb, and no doubt the third question vividly reminds him of the three denials in the early morning by the fire. He repeats his love for Jesus with the plea: "Thou knowest all things."
Feed my sheep (βοÏκε Ïα ÏÏοβαÏια). Many MSS. both here and in verse John 21:16 read ÏÏοβαÏα (sheep) instead of ÏÏοβαÏια (little sheep or lambs).
Verse 18
Thou girdest thyself (εζÏÎ½Î½Ï ÎµÏ ÏÎµÎ±Ï Ïον). Imperfect active of customary action of ζÏÎ½Î½Ï Ï, old verb, in N.T. only here and Acts 12:8. So as to ÏεÏιεÏαÏÎµÎ¹Ï (walkedst) and Î·Î¸ÎµÎ»ÎµÏ (wouldest), two other imperfects of customary action.
When thou shalt be old (οÏαν γηÏαÏηιÏ). Indefinite temporal clause with οÏαν and the first aorist active subjunctive of γηÏαÏκÏ, old verb to grow old, in N.T. only here and Hebrews 8:13, "whenever thou growest old."
Verse 19
By what manner of death (ÏÎ¿Î¹Ï Î¸Î±Î½Î±ÏÏ). Undoubtedly John, who is writing long after Peter's death, seems to mean that Peter was to die (and did die) a martyr's death. "Whither thou wouldest not." There is a tradition that Peter met death by crucifixion and asked to be crucified head downwards, but that is not made plain here.
Verse 20
Turning about (εÏιÏÏÏαÏειÏ). Second aorist passive participle of εÏιÏÏÏεÏÏ, old verb, here a sudden turning round (ingressive aorist). For the simplex verb ÏÏÏεÏÏ see John 20:14; John 20:16.
Following (Î±ÎºÎ¿Î»Î¿Ï Î¸Î¿Ï Î½Ïα). Following both Jesus and Peter, perhaps having heard the graphic dialogue above.
Verse 21
And what shall this man do? (Î¿Ï ÏÎ¿Ï Î´Îµ Ïι;). Literally, "But this one ... what?" The abrupt ellipsis is intelligible.
Verse 22
If I will (εαν θελÏ). Condition of the third class with εαν and the present active subjunctive of θελÏ.
Till I come (εÏÏ ÎµÏÏομα). Literally, "while I am coming" (εÏÏ and the present indicative, not εÏÏ ÎµÎ»Î¸Ï (second aorist active subjunctive).
What is that to thee? (Ï ÏÏÎ¿Ï Ïε;). A sharp rebuke to Peter's keen curiosity.
Follow thou me (ÏÏ Î¼Î¿ Î±ÎºÎ¿Î»Î¿Ï Î¸Îµ). "Do thou me keep on following." That lesson Peter needed.
Verse 23
That that disciple should not die (Î¿Ï Î¿ μαθηÏÎ·Ï ÎµÎºÎµÎ¹Î½Î¿Ï Î¿Ï Îº αÏοθνηÏκε) (present active indicative), because Peter or others misunderstood what Jesus meant as John now carefully explains. He was rebuking Peter's curiosity, not affirming that John would live on till the Master returned. John is anxious to set this matter right.
Verse 24
That is (Î¿Ï ÏÎ¿Ï ÎµÏÏιν). The one just mentioned in verse John 21:20, "the disciple whom Jesus loved."
And wrote these things (κα ο γÏαÏÎ±Ï ÏÎ±Ï Ïα). Here there is a definite statement that the Beloved Disciple wrote this book.
We know (οιδαμεν). The plural here seems intentional as the identification and endorsement of a group of disciples who know the author and wish to vouch for his identity and for the truthfulness of his witness. Probably we see here a verse added by a group of elders in Ephesus where John had long laboured.
Verse 25
If they should be written every one (εαν γÏαÏηÏα καθ' εν). Condition of the third class with εαν and present passive subjunctive of γÏαÏÏ, "If they should be written one by one" (in full detail).
I suppose (οιμα). Note change back to the first person singular by the author.
Would not contain (Î¿Ï Î´' Î±Ï Ïον Ïον κοÏμον ÏÏÏηÏειν). Future active infinitive in indirect discourse after οιμα. This is, of course, natural hyperbole, but graphically pictures for us the vastness of the work and words of Jesus from which the author has made a small selection (John 20:30) and by which he has produced what is, all things considered, the greatest of all the books produced by man, the eternal gospel from the eagle who soars to the very heavens and gives us a glimpse of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.