Albert Barnes Commentary John 21
Albert Barnes Commentary
John 21
Albert Barnes Commentary
John 21
"After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and he manifested [himself] on this wise." — John 21:1 (ASV)
The sea of Tiberias. Called also the Sea of Galilee, being situated in Galilee. See Barnes on Matthew 4:18.
In this place Jesus had promised to meet them, Mark 14:28; Mark 16:7; Matthew 26:32; Matthew 28:10.
This interview of Jesus is only briefly mentioned by Matthew (Matthew 28:16), and is omitted by both Mark and Luke. This is the reason why John relates so particularly what occurred there. Galilee was a secluded place where they would be free from danger, and was therefore a safe and convenient situation for Jesus to meet them, in order to give them his last instructions.
On this wise. Thus. In this manner.
"There was together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the [sons] of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples." — John 21:2 (ASV)
There were together. Probably residing in the same place. While they were waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit, they still found it proper to be usefully employed. Their Master had been taken away by death, and the promised Spirit had not descended on them. In the interval—before the promised Spirit was poured upon them—they chose not to be idle, and therefore returned to their former employment.
It should also be noted that they had no other means of support. While with Jesus, they were commonly supplied by the kindness of the people; but now, when the Saviour had died, they were cut off from this means of support and returned to the honest labour of their early lives.
Moreover, they had been directed by the Saviour to go to a mountain in Galilee, where he would meet them (Matthew 28:10). This was probably not far from the Sea of Galilee, so that, until he came to them, they would naturally be engaged in their old employment. Ministers of the gospel should be willing to labour, if necessary, for their own support, and should not esteem such labour dishonourable.
God has made employment indispensable to man, and if the field of labour is not open in one way, they should seek it in another. If at any time the people withhold the supply of their needs, they should be able and willing to seek support in some other honest occupation.
"Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and entered into the boat; and that night they took nothing." — John 21:3 (ASV)
That night they caught nothing. This was so ordered in God's providence that the miracle which was worked might appear more remarkable.
"But when day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach: yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus." — John 21:4 (ASV)
Knew not that it was Jesus. Probably it was still twilight, and in the distance they could not distinctly recognize him.
"Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat? They answered him, No." — John 21:5 (ASV)
Children. A term of affection and friendship, 1 John 2:18.
Any meat. This word (Greek) means anything eaten with bread. It was used by the Greeks especially to denote fish (Schleusner).
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