Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 21

“Afterward” implies an indefinite lapse of time (cf.2:12; 3:22; et al.), but not always a long time. Since this event is categorized as Jesus’ third appearance to the disciples after the Resurrection (v.14), it must have taken place between the beginning of the second week and the Ascension outside Jerusalem near Bethany (cf. Acts 1:1–12).

This appearance took place in Galilee. John is the only NT writer to use the name “Sea of Tiberias” for the Sea of Galilee (15:29; Mark 1:16; Mark 7:31) or the Lake of Gennesaret . John speaks once of the “Sea of Galilee” but qualifies it: “that is, the Sea of Tiberias” (6:1).

“Appeared” (GK 5746), translated by “happened” at its second occurrence in this verse, is a characteristic word in John. It was most frequently used to denote the self-revelation of Christ (1:31; 2:11; 9:3). It occurs three times in the epilogue (21:1 [twice], 14) in preparation for the final revelation of Jesus regarding the commissioning of Peter for his coming ministry. John also uses the term in his first letter, concerning both the incarnate Christ (3:5, 8; 4:9) and his return (2:28; 3:2). Not only was this occasion an appearance of Christ after his resurrection, but it was also a disclosure of his purpose for the disciples.

The seven disciples who were present include several previously named in this gospel: Simon Peter (1:40–42, 44; et al.); Thomas (11:16; 14:5–6; 20:24–29); Nathanael (1:45–50); the sons of Zebedee, who are not mentioned directly in this gospel; and two others, possibly Philip (1:43–46; et al.) and Andrew (1:40–42, 44; 6:8; 12:22). The reason for the disciples’ return to Galilee may have been to escape scrutiny and criticism by the mob in Jerusalem or to obey the command of Jesus (Matthew 28:7, 10; Mark 16:6). Or perhaps they were discouraged by Jesus’ death and decided to return to their old occupation of fishing. The kingdom had not arrived, and they had to make a living.

The leadership of Simon Peter is apparent at this point, and the others assented to Peter’s proposal; so they embarked in a boat that was available for a night of fishing (possibly Peter’s; cf. “the boat”). Their enthusiasm ended in frustration, for no fish were caught.

Jesus appeared in the early morning, just as day was breaking. The fishermen no doubt were cold, wet with the dampness and spray of the lake, and discouraged by their lack of success. They failed to recognize Jesus, perhaps because they were preoccupied with their failure, or because they could not see him clearly through the morning mist on the lake. Jesus asked the disciples whether they had caught any fish. The construction of the question implies that he knew they had caught nothing. This was confirmed by their dispirited answer: “No.”

Jesus appeared in the early morning, just as day was breaking. The fishermen no doubt were cold, wet with the dampness and spray of the lake, and discouraged by their lack of success. They failed to recognize Jesus, perhaps because they were preoccupied with their failure, or because they could not see him clearly through the morning mist on the lake. Jesus asked the disciples whether they had caught any fish. The construction of the question implies that he knew they had caught nothing. This was confirmed by their dispirited answer: “No.”