Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 21:22

"Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee? Follow thou me." — John 21:22 (ASV)

Jesus’ reply indicated that even if he intended that “the disciple whom Jesus loved” should outlive Peter, Peter’s main concern should not be a comparison of his lot with that of his friend; rather, Peter’s concern should be the fulfillment of Jesus’ purpose. In Jesus’ final comment, “You must follow me” (italics mine, reflecting the Greek), he was urging Peter to take his attention off his colleague and focus it on Jesus himself.

Jesus’ reference to his return is one of the few clear references to the Second Coming in this gospel. The use here is hyperbolic, for it marks the utmost point to which the beloved disciple could survive and remain active. This utterance was remembered in the church and formed the basis of the rumor that Jesus had promised John that he would live until Jesus returned. As a matter of fact, Jesus had offered a supposition, not a promise. The author’s explanation of Jesus’ announcement may be taken as evidence that the disciple was still living at the time this gospel was written and that he was the source of its content.