A.T. Robertson Commentary John 21
A.T. Robertson Commentary
John 21
A.T. Robertson 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)
Manifested himself (εφανεροσεν εαυτον). First aorist active indicative of φανεροω with the reflexive pronoun (cf. 7:4; 13:4). For the passive see 1:31; 21:14. Jesus was only seen during the forty days now and then (Acts 1:3), ten instances being recorded. The word φανεροω 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 (επ). By or upon.
Of Tiberias (της Τιβεριαδος). As in 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 (Matthew 28:7,16).
"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 (ησαν ομου). 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 Lu 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.
"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)
I go a fishing (υπαγω αλιευειν). The present active infinitive αλιευειν expresses purpose as often. It is a late verb from αλιευς (fisherman) and occurs in Jer 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 (επιασαν). First aorist active indicative of πιαζω, Doric form for πιεζω, to catch.
"But when day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach: yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus." — John 21:4 (ASV)
When day was now breaking (πρωιας ηδη γινομενης). Genitive absolute and note present middle participle (dawn coming on and still dark). In Mt 27:1 the aorist participle (γενομενης) means that dawn had come. For "beach" (αιγιαλον) see Mt 13:2.
Was (εστιν). Present indicative retained in indirect assertion.
"Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat? They answered him, No." — John 21:5 (ASV)
Children (Παιδια). Diminutive of παις 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 2:13,18.
Have ye aught to eat? (μη τ προσφαγιον εχετε; ). The negative answer is expected by this polite inquiry as in 4:29. The rare and late word προσφαγιον from the root φαγ (εσθιω, to eat) and προς (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.
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