John 21
Acts 21 covers Paul’s journey to Jerusalem and the process of his arrest. This chapter shows Paul traveling through various regions, bidding farewell to his companions, and pressing forward toward Jerusalem despite the dangers. Even amid warnings from several disciples and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul reveals a firm resolve between the community in Jerusalem and his own mission.
1verseAfter these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way.
2verseSimon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together.
3verseSimon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.” They told him, “We are also coming with you.” They immediately went out and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing.
4verseBut when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples didn’t know that it was Jesus.
5verseJesus therefore said to them, “Children, have you anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.”
6verseHe said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” They cast it therefore, and now they weren’t able to draw it in for the multitude of fish.
7verseThat disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around himself (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea.
8verseBut the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net full of fish.
9verseSo when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, with fish and bread laid on it.
10verseJesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
11verseSimon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of one hundred fifty-three great fish. Even though there were so many, the net wasn’t torn.
12verseJesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast!” None of the disciples dared inquire of him, “Who are you?” knowing that it was the Lord.
13verseThen Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise.
14verseThis is now the third time that Jesus was revealed to his disciples after he had risen from the dead.
15verseSo when they had eaten their 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 have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
16verseHe 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 have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
17verseHe said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
18verseMost certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you don’t want to go.”
19verseNow he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
20verseThen Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus’ chest at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”
21versePeter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?”
22verseJesus said to him, “If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me.”
23verseThis saying therefore went out among the brothers that this disciple wouldn’t die. Yet Jesus didn’t say to him that he wouldn’t die, but, “If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you?”
24verseThis is the disciple who testifies about these things, and wrote these things. We know that his witness is true.
25verseThere are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they would all be written, I suppose that even the world itself wouldn’t have room for the books that would be written.
The Journey and His Co-workers
- Paul and his companions pass through places such as Tyre, Ptolemais, and Caesarea, and then arrive in Jerusalem.
- In each city, they fellowship with Christians and share the results of Gentile evangelism.
- Especially in Caesarea, they stay at the home of Philip the deacon, and tension rises as the prophet Agabus predicts the hardships Paul will face in the future.
Developments in Jerusalem
Paul meets the leaders of the Jerusalem church—James and the elders—and makes a report on his ministry, explaining his work among the Gentiles. To dispel misunderstandings from Jewish believers, he takes part in a purification ceremony, but an uproar arises among the Jews who oppose Paul inside the temple. In the end, Paul is seized and is protected from greater danger through the intervention of the Roman soldiers, though he is arrested and taken into custody.
Overall Meaning and Structure
This chapter emphasizes tensions both within and outside the Christian community, the careful coordination between the expansion of mission work and Jewish traditions, and Paul’s wholehearted commitment to his mission. It is also characterized by scenes where God’s plan and human conflict intersect, where the Holy Spirit’s forewarnings and human obedience meet, and where a crisis in the mission and God’s protection converge.
Points to Ponder
- As you reflect, consider that when following God’s mission, unexpected misunderstandings and crises can arise.
- Despite many warnings and dangers, Paul did not give up his calling. In what situation do I manage to hold on to my calling?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Think about how you will respond to the various misunderstandings and conflicts that may occur in the community where you belong.
- Also, as with Paul, reflect on what decisions may be necessary to carry out the mission you have entrusted to God, and what you might be able to lay down for that purpose.
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This is the last chapter of John.