John 19
Jesus Sentenced to Be Crucified
19:1-16pp — Mt 27:27-31; Mk 15:16-20
1Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged.a 2The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!”b And they slapped him in the face.c
4Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him outd to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.”e 5When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe,f Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”
6As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”
But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him.g As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.”h
7The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die,i because he claimed to be the Son of God.”j
8When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9and he went back inside the palace.k “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer.l 10“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”
11Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.m Therefore the one who handed me over to youn is guilty of a greater sin.”
12From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a kingo opposes Caesar.”
13When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seatp at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaicq is Gabbatha). 14It was the day of Preparationr of the Passover; it was about noon.s
“Here is your king,”t Pilate said to the Jews.
15But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”
“Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked.
“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.
16Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.u
The Crucifixion of Jesus
19:17-24pp — Mt 27:33-44; Mk 15:22-32; Lk 23:33-43
So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17Carrying his own cross,v he went out to the place of the Skullw (which in Aramaicx is called Golgotha). 18There they crucified him, and with him two othersy—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
19Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH,z THE KING OF THE JEWS.a 20Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city,b and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.”c
22Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
23When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.
24“Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilledd that said,
“They divided my clothes among them
and cast lots for my garment.”,e
So this is what the soldiers did.
25Near the crossf of Jesus stood his mother,g his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.h 26When Jesus saw his motheri there, and the disciple whom he lovedj standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
The Death of Jesus
19:29,30pp — Mt 27:48,50; Mk 15:36,37; Lk 23:36
28Later, knowing that everything had now been finished,k and so that Scripture would be fulfilled,l Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29A jar of wine vinegarm was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.”n With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
31Now it was the day of Preparation,o and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crossesp during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other.q 33But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers piercedr Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.s 35The man who saw itt has given testimony, and his testimony is true.u He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled:v “Not one of his bones will be broken,”,w 37and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.”,x
The Burial of Jesus
19:38-42pp — Mt 27:57-61; Mk 15:42-47; Lk 23:50-56
38Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders.y With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 39He was accompanied by Nicodemus,z the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen.a This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.b 41At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42Because it was the Jewish day of Preparationc and since the tomb was nearby,d they laid Jesus there.
John 20
The Empty Tomb
20:1-8pp — Mt 28:1-8; Mk 16:1-8; Lk 24:1-10
1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalenea went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.b 2So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved,c and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”d
3So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.e 4Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5He bent over and looked inf at the strips of lineng lying there but did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head.h The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first,i also went inside. He saw and believed. 9(They still did not understand from Scripturej that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)k 10Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
11Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tombl 12and saw two angels in white,m seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”n
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”o 14At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there,p but she did not realize that it was Jesus.q
15He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?r Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
16Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic,s “Rabboni!”t (which means “Teacher”).
17Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothersu and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Fatherv and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”
18Mary Magdalenew went to the disciplesx with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
19On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders,y Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peacez be with you!”a 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side.b The disciples were overjoyedc when they saw the Lord.
21Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!d As the Father has sent me,e I am sending you.”f 22And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.g 23If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”h
Jesus Appears to Thomas
24Now Thomasi (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side,j I will not believe.”k
26A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peacel be with you!”m 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”n
28Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed;o blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”p
The Purpose of John’s Gospel
30Jesus performed many other signsq in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.r 31But these are written that you may believe,s that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,t and that by believing you may have life in his name.u
John 21
Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish
1Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples,a by the Sea of Galilee.,b It happened this way: 2Simon Peter, Thomasc (also known as Didymus), Nathanaeld from Cana in Galilee,e the sons of Zebedee,f and two other disciples were together. 3“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.g
4Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.h
5He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
6He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.i
7Then the disciple whom Jesus lovedj said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9When they landed, they saw a firek of burning coals there with fish on it,l and some bread.
10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.m 14This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciplesn after he was raised from the dead.
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”o
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”p
16Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”q
17The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?”r He said, “Lord, you know all things;s you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.t 18Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of deathu by which Peter would glorify God.v Then he said to him, “Follow me!”w
20Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus lovedx was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”)y 21When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
22Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return,z what is that to you? You must follow me.”a 23Because of this, the rumor spread among the believersb that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
24This is the disciple who testifies to these thingsc and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.d
25Jesus did many other things as well.e If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. Chart: Major Archaeological Finds Relating to the New Testament Chart: A Harmony of the Gospels
2 19:26 The Greek for Woman does not denote any disrespect.
5 19:39 Or about 34 kilograms
1 20:24 Thomas (Aramaic) and Didymus (Greek) both mean twin.
2 20:31 Or may continue to believe
2 21:2 Thomas (Aramaic) and Didymus (Greek) both mean twin.
3 21:8 Or about 90 meters
19:1 Pilate hoped a flogging would satisfy the Jews and enable him to release Jesus (see note on Mk 15:15).
19:2 thorns. A general term relating to any thorny plant (see note on Mk 15:17). purple. A color used by royalty.
19:6 You . . . crucify him. The petulant utterance of an exasperated man, for the Jews could not carry out this form of execution. I find no basis for a charge against him. For the third time Pilate proclaimed Jesus’ innocence (see 18:38 and note; 19:4). Luke also records this threefold proclamation (Lk 23:4, 14,22).
19:7 he must die. Apparently referring to the penalty for blasphemy (Lev 24:16).
19:8 even more afraid. Pilate was evidently superstitious, and this charge frightened him.
19:9 Jesus gave him no answer. Although Jesus had answered Pilate’s other questions, Jesus’ silence here agrees with the other three Gospel accounts (Mt 26:63; Mk 14:61; cf. Lk 23:9) and with the prophecy in Isa 53:7. Perhaps Pilate would not have understood the answer or would not have believed it.
19:10 I have power. Pilate was incredulous and very conscious of his authority. His second question indicates his personal responsibility for crucifying Jesus.
19:11 Jesus’ last words to Pilate. from above. All earthly authority comes ultimately from God (cf. Ro 13:14 and note). greater sin. Although Pilate acted against his own judgment, he was still guilty of sin. The sin of the one who handed Jesus over was greater because it was carried out with willful, malicious intent.
19:12 no friend of Caesar. Some people had official status as “Friends of Caesar,” but the term seems to be used here in the general sense. There was an implied threat that if he released Jesus, Pilate would be accused before Caesar. His record of antagonizing the Jewish people meant he could not face such a prospect without concern.
19:14 day of Preparation. Probably does not mean preparation for the Passover celebration, which has already taken place (see note on 18:28), but rather preparation for the Sabbath of Passover week (19:31). Normally Friday was the day people prepared for the Sabbath. about noon. Or, “about the sixth hour.” Mk 15:25 says that Jesus was crucified at “nine in the morning” (or, “the third hour”). It may be that John was using Roman time, in which case the appearance before Pilate would have been at 6:00 AM and the crucifixion at 9:00 AM (the third hour according to Jewish reckoning; see Mk 15:33). Or it may be that in a world punctuated by the four watches of the day, one Gospel writer is rounding up and the other down. For other time references, see Mt 27:45–46; Mk 15:33–34; Lk 23:44 and note. Here is your king. John does not let us forget the sovereignty of Jesus. Pilate did not mean the expression seriously, but the author of this Gospel did. the Jews. See note on 1:19.
19:15 We have no king but Caesar. More irony. They rejected any suggestion that they were rebels against Rome but make a statement of allegiance that no Jew should rightly make.
19:17 Carrying his own cross. A cross might be shaped like a T, an X, a Y or an I, as well as in the traditional form 🕇. A condemned person would normally carry a beam of it to the place of execution. The Synoptic Gospels report that Simon of Cyrene carried Jesus’ cross (see Mk 15:21 and note). This difference may be easily resolved if Jesus, weakened by the flogging, collapsed and Simon was conscripted to carry the cross. Golgotha. “Calvary” comes from a Latin word that has the same meaning (see Mk 15:22 and note).
19:18 they crucified him. See note on Mk 15:24. As with the scourging, John describes this horror with one Greek word. The crucifixion itself is described remarkably briefly. None of the Gospel writers dwells on the physical sufferings of Jesus.
19:19 a notice. A placard stating the crime for which someone was executed was often fastened to his cross. THE KING OF THE JEWS. Again emphasizing the theme of Jesus’ royalty.
19:20 Aramaic. One of the languages of the Jewish people at that time (along with Hebrew). Latin. The official language of Rome. Greek. The common language of communication throughout the empire. The threefold inscription may account for the slight differences in wording in the four Gospels.
19:22 Pilate had to have a sufficient reason for the execution, and he was not above mocking the Jews, but for John his insistence may also have served to underscore that Jesus’ kingship is final and unalterable.
19:23 undergarment. A type of shirt, reaching from the neck to the knees or ankles. seamless. Therefore too valuable to be cut up.
19:25 Clopas. Mentioned only here in the NT. Mary Magdalene. Appears in the crucifixion and resurrection story in all four Gospels, but apart from that we read of her only in Lk 8:2–3 (see note on 8:2).
19:26 disciple whom he loved. John (see note on 13:23). Woman. See NIV text note.
19:27 took her into his home. And so took responsibility for her. It may be that Jesus’ brothers still did not believe in him (7:5).
19:29 wine vinegar. Equivalent to cheap wine, the drink of ordinary people (see notes on Mk 15:36; Lk 23:36). hyssop. The name given to a number of plants (see note on Ex 12:22).
19:30 It is finished. Apparently the loud cry of Mt 27:50; Mk 15:37. Jesus died as a victor and had “finished” (v. 28) what he came to do (cf. 17:4). gave up his spirit. An unusual way of describing death, perhaps suggesting an act of will (cf. 10:17–18 and note).
19:31 Preparation. See note on v. 14. a special Sabbath. The Sabbath that fell at Passover time. The Passover meal had been eaten on Thursday evening, the day of Preparation was Friday and the Sabbath came on Saturday. the Jewish leaders. See note on 1:19. bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath. According to Mosaic law, leaving a body hanging on a pole overnight would “desecrate the land” (Dt 21:22–23). This would be unacceptable at any time but especially during the special Sabbath at Passover. to have the legs broken. To hasten death, because the victim then could not put any weight on his legs, and breathing would be difficult.
19:34 pierced Jesus’ side. Probably to make doubly sure that Jesus was dead, but perhaps simply an act of brutality (see v. 37; Isa 53:5; Zec 12:10; cf. Ps 22:16). blood and water. The result of the spear piercing the pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart) and the heart itself.
19:35 The man who saw it. Probably John himself (cf. 21:24). As an eyewitness, John affirms the certainty of Jesus’ death. testifies . . . believe. See note on 1:7.
19:36–37 scripture. Again John observes God’s superintending human action in the fulfillment of Scripture. It was extraordinary that Jesus was the only one of the three whose legs were not broken and that he suffered an unusual spear thrust that did not break a bone. Not one of his bones will be broken. A reference to the Passover lambs (Ex 12:46), reaffirming that Jesus is the Lamb of God (1:29,36).
19:38 See note on Lk 23:52. Joseph. A rich disciple (Mt 27:57), and a member of the Sanhedrin who had not agreed to Jesus’ condemnation (Lk 23:51; see note on 23:50). Arimathea. See note on Mt 27:57. secretly. It would have been hard for a member of the Sanhedrin to support Jesus’ cause openly. Jesus’ closest followers all ran away (see Mk 14:50 and note), and it was left to Joseph and Nicodemus to provide for his burial. With Pilate’s permission. Otherwise people could take away their crucified friends before they died and revive them.
19:39 Nicodemus. John alone tells us that he joined Joseph in the burial. earlier had visited Jesus. See 3:1–15. seventy-five pounds. A very large amount, such as was used in royal burials (cf. 2Ch 16:14).
19:42 Preparation. See note on v. 14. nearby. Haste was necessary, since it was near sunset, when the Sabbath would start and no work could be done.
20:1 while it was still dark. Mark says it was “just after sunrise” (Mk 16:2). Both statements are true of the period right around dawn. Mary Magdalene. The other Gospels attest to a number of women who were present at the empty tomb. Mary may have been alluding to them when she says in v. 2, “we don’t know where they have put him!” (see note on 19:25).
20:2 Simon Peter. Despite his denials, he was still the leading figure among the disciples. the one Jesus loved. John (see note on 13:23). we. Indicates that there were others with Mary (Mt 28:1; Mk 16:1; Lk 24:10), though John does not identify them. have put him. Mary had no thought of resurrection.
20:7 still lying in its place. An orderly arrangement, not in disarray, as would have resulted from a grave robbery.
20:8 He saw and believed. Cf. v. 29. John did not say what he believed, but it must have been that Jesus was resurrected.
20:9 Scripture. First they came to know of the resurrection through what they saw in the tomb; only later did they see it in Scripture. It is obvious they did not make up a story of resurrection to fit a preconceived understanding of Scriptural prophecy. had to rise. It was in Scripture and thus the will of God.
20:11 crying. As in 11:33 (see note there), it means “wailing,” a loud expression of grief.
20:14 did not realize that it was Jesus. A number of times the risen Jesus was not recognized at first (21:4; Mt 28:17; Lk 24:16,37). He may have looked different, or he may intentionally have prevented recognition (see note on Lk 24:16).
20:15 Thinking he was the gardener. Although Mary was mistaken on one level, John may be using her words to implicitly show Jesus to be that first Gardener in Eden—God himself.
20:17 I have not yet ascended. See 13:3. The meaning appears to be that the ascension was still some time off. Mary would have opportunity to see Jesus again, so she need not cling to him. Alternatively, Jesus may be reminding Mary that after his crucifixion she cannot have him with her except through the Holy Spirit (16:5–16). my brothers. Probably the disciples (see v. 18; Mk 3:35 and note). The members of his family did not believe in him (see 7:5 and note on 7:4), though they became disciples not long after this (see Ac 1:14 and note). my Father and your Father. God is Father both of Christ and of believers, but in different senses (see 1:12,14,18,34; 3:16 and note).
20:19 See Lk 24:36 and note. disciples. May include others besides the apostles, “the Twelve” (v. 24). Cf. the parallel account in Lk 24, which refers to “the Eleven and those with them” (Lk 24:33). the Jewish leaders. See note on 1:19. Peace be with you! The normal Hebrew greeting (cf. Da 10:19). Because of their behavior the previous Friday, they may have expected rebuke and censure; but Jesus calmed their fears (see note on 14:27).
20:20 his hands and side. Where the wounds were (John does not refer to the wounds in the feet). According to Lk 24:37 they thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus was clearly identifying himself.
20:21 Peace be with you! See note on v. 19. I am sending you. See note on 17:18.
20:22 breathed on them. A clear echo of Ge 2:7, where God breathed into Adam the breath of life, implying that Jesus is the Creator (see note on 1:3). Receive the Holy Spirit. Thus anticipating what happened 50 days later on the day of Pentecost (see Ac 2:2, 4,14,17,33,38 and notes). The disciples needed God’s help to carry out the commission they had just been given.
20:23 Or, “If you forgive anyone their sins, they have (already) been forgiven; if you do not forgive, they have not been forgiven.” Heaven is in accord with the apostles when they are following God-given procedures (cf. Mt 16:19 and note; 18:18 and NIV text note).
20:25 Unless I see . . . and put . . . I will not believe. Hardheaded skepticism can scarcely go further than this. Contrast Heb 11:1, 6,27; 1Pe 1:8.
20:28 My Lord and my God! To acknowledge Jesus as Lord and God is the high point of faith (see note on 1:1).
20:29 those who have not seen and yet have believed. Would have been very few at this time (see v. 8 and note). All whom John mentions had seen in some sense. The words, of course, apply to future believers as well.
20:30 signs. See note on 2:11. John had selected seven from among many (see chart). in the presence of his disciples. Those who could testify to what he had done. John again stresses testimony (see note on 1:7).
20:31 that you may believe. Expresses John’s evangelistic purpose as well as his purpose to encourage believers to continue in faith. believe. See note on 1:7. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Faith has content. the Messiah. See note on 1:25. This whole Gospel is written to show the truth of Jesus’ Messiahship and to present him as the Son of God, so that the readers may believe in him. Son of God. See 3:16 and note. that by believing you may have life. Another expression of purpose—to bring about faith that leads to life (see notes on 1:4; 3:15–16; cf. Gal 2:20 and note). name. Represents all that he is and stands for (see note on 2:23).
21:1 Galilee. See NIV text note; see also note on 6:1.
21:2 Simon Peter. See note on Mk 1:16. Thomas. See note on 11:16. sons of Zebedee. James and John, not named in this Gospel (Mt 4:21).
21:3 that night. Nighttime was favored by fishermen in ancient times (as Aristotle, e.g., informs us).
21:4 did not realize that it was Jesus. Cf. Mary Magdalene (see note on 20:14).
21:7 disciple whom Jesus loved. See note on 13:23. his outer garment. It is curious that he put on this garment (the word appears only here in the NT) preparatory to jumping into the water. It was shameful for a Jew to be naked; Peter may have been preparing himself to greet the Lord.
21:9 burning coals. Or “charcoal,” as in 18:18 (“fire”; see note on 18:26). Thus the charcoal “fire” is present at both Peter’s denials and his restoration.
21:11 Peter . . . dragged the net ashore. Appears to mean that Peter headed up the effort, for the whole group had not been able previously to haul the net into the boat (v. 6). the net was not torn. In contrast to the nets mentioned in Lk 5:6.
21:14 third time. The third appearance to a group of disciples (20:19–23,24–29), though there had been other appearances to individuals.
21:15–17 love. The Greek word for “love” in Jesus’ first two questions (agapaō) is different from that in his third question and in all Peter’s answers (phileō). It is unlikely that a distinction in meaning is intended since John often used synonyms for stylistic reasons (e.g., “Feed my lambs” [v. 15], “Take care of my sheep” [v. 16] and “Feed my sheep” [v. 17]). Also, no distinction is made between these two words elsewhere in this Gospel. The more important point is that Peter’s threefold denial of Jesus (18:16–18,25–27) is now reversed with Peter’s threefold affirmation of his love for Jesus.
21:17 you know all things. Peter’s replies stress Christ’s knowledge, not his own grasp of the situation.
21:18 Very truly I tell you. See note on Mk 3:28. stretch out your hands. The early church understood this as a prophecy of crucifixion.
21:19 the kind of death. Peter would be a martyr. Tradition indicates that he was crucified upside down.
21:20 disciple whom Jesus loved. See note on 13:23. was following. He was doing what Peter was twice told to do (vv. 19,22). at the supper. See 13:23–25.
21:22 until I return. A clear declaration of the second coming (see 14:3 and note).
21:24 disciple who testifies. Testimony is important throughout this Gospel (see note on 1:7). We now learn that it was the beloved disciple who was the witness behind the account. these things. Must refer to the whole book. who wrote them down. The beloved disciple (John) was not only the witness but also the actual author. We know. Evidently written by contemporaries in a position to know the truth.
21:25 many other things. As in 20:30 (see note there) we are assured that the author has been selective. even the whole world would not have room. Hyperbole (for another example of this figure of speech, see Lk 14:26 and note). Our historical knowledge of Jesus is at best partial, but we have been given all we need to know.