The Gospel Of John Chapter 21
I. Outline: I. Jesus And The Disciples By The Sea: 21:1-14 II. Jesus And Peter: 21:15-19 III. Peter’s Question: 21:20-23 IV. Conclusion: 21:24-25
II. Introductory Comments: Various writers have attacked the authenticity of this chapter, because they feel that John 20:30-31 is a definite conclusion. But in reading this chapter, we can see why God had it written even after John 20:30-31: 1. The disciples had been commanded by Jesus to return to Galilee (Matthew 28:10), where He would appear to them. This chapter gives the details of at least one of those appearances. 2. Once again, John demonstrates that the resurrected Christ was real, He had a physical body. 3. We also see that Jesus’ death and resurrection hadn’t changed His love for His followers. 4. The chapter also settles any doubts concerning the status of Peter. Jesus fully accepts him back as one of His apostles.
III. Commentary: John 21:1 ‘After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way.’ ‘After these things’-This appearance of Jesus is at least over a week following the resurrection. For the appearance just mentioned was eight days following the resurrection (20:26).
‘Sea of Tiberias’-this is the Roman name for the Sea of Galilee. This again indicates that this Gospel was written to a world-wide audience.
1