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Text -- John 21:17 (NET)

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Context
21:17 Jesus said a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” and said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · John a son of Zebedee; younger brother of James; the beloved disciple of Christ,a relative of Annas the high priest,a son of Mary the sister of Barnabas, and surnamed Mark,the father of Simon Peter
 · Peter a man who was a leader among the twelve apostles and wrote the two epistles of Peter
 · Simon a son of Jonas and brother of Andrew; an apostle of Jesus Christ,a man who was one of the apostles of Christ and also called 'the Zealot',a brother of Jesus,a man who was a well-know victim of leprosy who had been healed by Jesus (NIV note),a man from Cyrene who was forced to carry the cross of Jesus,a Pharisee man in whose house Jesus' feet were washed with tears and anointed,the father of Judas Iscariot,a man who was a sorcerer in Samaria and who wanted to buy the gifts of the Spirit,a man who was a tanner at Joppa and with whom Peter was staying when Cornelius sent for him


Dictionary Themes and Topics: TEACH; TEACHER; TEACHING | SHEPHERD | Peter | PETER, THE FIRST EPISTLE OF | PETER, SIMON | Love | Jonas | JOHN, GOSPEL OF | JOHN (2) | JESUS CHRIST, 4F | Galilee, Sea of | Galilee | GRIEF; GRIEVE | Faith | ETHICS OF JESUS | Discipleship | BODY, SPIRITUAL | BAR-JONAH | Apostles | ANDREW | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , Combined Bible , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey , Lapide

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Joh 21:17 - -- Lovest thou me? ( phileis me ). This time Jesus picks up the word phileō used by Peter and challenges that. These two words are often interchange...

Lovest thou me? ( phileis me ).

This time Jesus picks up the word phileō used by Peter and challenges that. These two words are often interchanged in the N.T., but here the distinction is preserved. Peter was cut to the heart (elupēthē , first aorist passive of lupeō , to grieve) because Jesus challenges this very verb, and no doubt the third question vividly reminds him of the three denials in the early morning by the fire. He repeats his love for Jesus with the plea: "Thou knowest all things."

Robertson: Joh 21:17 - -- Feed my sheep ( boske ta probatia ). Many MSS. both here and in Joh 21:16 read probata (sheep) instead of probatia (little sheep or lambs).

Feed my sheep ( boske ta probatia ).

Many MSS. both here and in Joh 21:16 read probata (sheep) instead of probatia (little sheep or lambs).

Vincent: Joh 21:17 - -- Lovest ( φιλεῖς ) Here Jesus adopts Peter's word. Canon Westcott, however, ascribes Peter's use of φιλέω to his humility, and his...

Lovest ( φιλεῖς )

Here Jesus adopts Peter's word. Canon Westcott, however, ascribes Peter's use of φιλέω to his humility, and his hesitation in claiming that higher love which is implied in ἀγαπᾷς . This seems to me to be less natural, and to be refining too much.

Wesley: Joh 21:17 - -- As if he did not believe him.

As if he did not believe him.

JFB: Joh 21:15-17 - -- Silence appears to have reigned during the meal; unbroken on His part, that by their mute observation of Him they might have their assurance of His id...

Silence appears to have reigned during the meal; unbroken on His part, that by their mute observation of Him they might have their assurance of His identity the more confirmed; and on theirs, from reverential shrinking to speak till He did.

JFB: Joh 21:15-17 - -- Referring lovingly to those sad words of Peter, shortly before denying his Lord, "Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never b...

Referring lovingly to those sad words of Peter, shortly before denying his Lord, "Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended" (Mat 26:33), and intending by this allusion to bring the whole scene vividly before his mind and put him to shame.

JFB: Joh 21:15-17 - -- He adds not, "more than these," but prefixes a touching appeal to the Saviour's own omniscience for the truth of his protestation, which makes it a to...

He adds not, "more than these," but prefixes a touching appeal to the Saviour's own omniscience for the truth of his protestation, which makes it a totally different kind of speech from his former.

JFB: Joh 21:15-17 - -- It is surely wrong to view this term as a mere diminutive of affection, and as meaning the same thing as "the sheep" [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. It is mu...

It is surely wrong to view this term as a mere diminutive of affection, and as meaning the same thing as "the sheep" [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. It is much more according to usage to understand by the "lambs," young and tender disciples, whether in age or Christian standing (Isa 40:11; 1Jo 2:12-13), and by the "sheep" the more mature. Shall we say (with many) that Peter was here reinstated in office? Not exactly, since he was not actually excluded from it. But after such conduct as his, the deep wound which the honor of Christ had received, the stain brought on his office, the damage done to his high standing among his brethren, and even his own comfort, in prospect of the great work before him, required some such renewal of his call and re-establishment of his position as this.

JFB: Joh 21:17 - -- This was the Physician's deepest incision into the wound, while yet smarting under the two former probings. Not till now would Peter discern the objec...

This was the Physician's deepest incision into the wound, while yet smarting under the two former probings. Not till now would Peter discern the object of this succession of thrusts. The third time reveals it all, bringing up such a rush of dreadful recollections before his view, of his "thrice denying that he knew Him," that he feels it to the quick. It was fitting that he should; it was meant that he should. But this accomplished, the painful dialogue concludes with a delightful "Feed My sheep"; as if He should say, "Now, Simon, the last speck of the cloud which overhung thee since that night of nights is dispelled: Henceforth thou art to Me and to My work as if no such scene had ever happened."

Clarke: Joh 21:17 - -- Peter was grieved - Fearing, says St. Chrysostom, lest Christ saw something in his heart which he saw not himself, and which might lead to another f...

Peter was grieved - Fearing, says St. Chrysostom, lest Christ saw something in his heart which he saw not himself, and which might lead to another fall; and that Christ was about to tell him of it, as he had before predicted his denial.

Calvin: Joh 21:17 - -- 17.Peter was grieved Peter undoubtedly did not perceive the object which Christ had in view, in putting the same question so frequently; and therefor...

17.Peter was grieved Peter undoubtedly did not perceive the object which Christ had in view, in putting the same question so frequently; and therefore he thinks that he is-in-directly accused, as if he had not answered with sincerity. But we have already showed that the repetition was not superfluous. Besides, Peter was not yet sufficiently aware how deeply the love of Christ must be engraven on the hearts of those who have to struggle against innumerable difficulties. He afterwards learned by long experience, that such a trial had not been made in vain. Those who are to undertake the charge of governing the Church are also taught, in his person, not to examine themselves slightly, but to make a thorough scrutiny what zeal they possess, that they may not shrink or faint in the middle of their course. We are likewise taught, that we ought patiently and mildly to submit, if at any time the Lord subject us to a severe trial; because he has good reasons for doing so, though they are generally unknown to us.

Defender: Joh 21:17 - -- Jesus had twice asked Peter if he loved Him with agape love (true self-less devotion to the one loved). Peter had answered that he did love Him, but w...

Jesus had twice asked Peter if he loved Him with agape love (true self-less devotion to the one loved). Peter had answered that he did love Him, but with phileo love (brotherly kindness). This third time, Jesus also used phileo, and Peter was grieved. He finally recognized that the thrice-repeated question was intended to remind him of His thrice-repeated denial of the Lord (Joh 18:17, Joh 18:25, Joh 18:27). Further, the Lord had not addressed him as Peter ("the rock") but by his old name Simon. Jesus wanted to bring him back to the point where he henceforth would not just "go (a) fishing" (Joh 21:3) but would "Feed my lambs," "Feed my sheep" and "Feed my sheep" (Joh 21:15, Joh 21:17, Joh 21:16). The converts must be fed and tended with God's Word (1Pe 5:2, 1Pe 5:3), and this must be done through love for Christ."

TSK: Joh 21:17 - -- the third : Joh 13:38, Joh 18:27; Mat 26:73, Mat 26:74; Rev 3:19 grieved : 1Ki 17:18; Lam 3:33; Mat 26:75; Mar 14:72; Luk 22:61, Luk 22:62; 2Co 2:4-7;...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Joh 21:17 - -- The third time - It is probable that Jesus proposed this question three times because Peter had thrice denied him. Thus he tenderly admonished ...

The third time - It is probable that Jesus proposed this question three times because Peter had thrice denied him. Thus he tenderly admonished him of his fault and reminded him of his sin, while he solemnly charged him to be faithful and vigilant in the discharge of the duties of the pastoral office. The reason why the Saviour addressed Peter in this manner was doubtless because he had just denied him - had given a most melancholy instance of the instability and weakness of his faith, and of his liability to fall. As he had thus been prominent in forsaking him, he took this occasion to give to him a special charge, and to secure his future obedience. Hence, he so administered the charge as to remind him of his fault; and he made him so prominent as to show the solicitude of the Saviour that, henceforward, he might not be left to dishonor his high calling. This same charge, in substance, he had on other occasions given to the apostles Mat 18:18, and there is not the slightest evidence here that Christ intended, as the Papists pretend, to give Peter any special primacy or eminence in the church. The charge to Peter arose, manifestly, from his prominent and melancholy act in denying him, and was the kind and tender means used by a faithful Saviour to keep him from similar acts in the future dangers and trials of life. It is worthy of remark that the admonition was effectual. Henceforward, Peter was one of the most firm and unwavering of all the apostles, and thus fully justified the appellation of a rock, which the Saviour by anticipation had given him. See the notes at Joh 1:42.

Poole: Joh 21:16-17 - -- Ver. 16,17. Divines here raise a question, why our Saviour propounds this question thrice to Peter. The most of the ancients agree, that it was becau...

Ver. 16,17. Divines here raise a question, why our Saviour propounds this question thrice to Peter. The most of the ancients agree, that it was because Peter had thrice denied him. Some say, it was to show his great love to his church, which he could not commit to Peter but after three inquiries if he truly loved him, who was the Lord of it. Others refer it to the three ways by which good pastors ought to feed the church; prayer, preaching, and a holy life. Others think, that it hath reference to the three flocks that Peter was to feed; the Jews in Judea, the Gentiles, the dispersed amongst the Gentiles.

Haydock: Joh 21:16-17 - -- The lambs and the sheep of our Saviour here mean the faithful, who compose his Church, without any distinction of Jew or Gentile. St. Peter, by these...

The lambs and the sheep of our Saviour here mean the faithful, who compose his Church, without any distinction of Jew or Gentile. St. Peter, by these words, is appointed to take charge of the whole flock, as being the chief and prince of the apostles. He is, in some manner, the pastor, not of the sheep only, but of the pastors themselves. They have each their own flock to look after; but to him is committed the care of all; he alone is the pastor of all. (Calmet) ---

Feed my sheep. Our Lord had promised the spiritual supremacy to St. Peter; (St. Matthew xvi. 19.) and here he fulfils that promise, by charging him with the superintendency of all his sheep, without exception; and consequently of his whole flock, that is, of his whole Church. (Challoner)

Gill: Joh 21:17 - -- He saith unto him the third time,.... That by these three testimonies, out of his mouth, the thing might be established, and be out of all doubt: S...

He saith unto him the third time,.... That by these three testimonies, out of his mouth, the thing might be established, and be out of all doubt:

Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? is it so indeed that thou lovest me? is thy love really so hearty and sincere as thou savest? may it be depended upon?

Peter was grieved, because he said unto him the third time, lovest thou me? because it put him in mind of his having denied his Lord three times; the remembrance of which cut him to the heart and it added to his grief, that his love, which he knew was unfeigned, notwithstanding his conduct, should seem to be suspected:

and he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee; he appeals with great warmth and earnestness to him, as the omniscient God, and the searcher of all hearts, who knows all persons and things, and the secret thoughts, dispositions, and affections of men's minds, for the truth of his love to him; for though he knew the treachery of his own heart, and durst not trust to it; and therefore chose not to be determined by his own assertions, and was well aware that the sincerity of his love might be called in question by fellow Christians, because of his late conduct; but as everything was naked and open to his Lord, with whom he had to do, he lodges and leaves the appeal with him: so every soul that truly loves Christ, whatever Satan, the world, professors, or their own hearts under unbelieving frames, may suggest to the contrary, can appeal to Christ, as the trier of the reins of the children of men, that he it is whom their souls love; and though their love may be greatly tried, and they themselves be sorely tempted by Satan, and suffered to fall greatly; yet their love to Christ can never be lost; the fervency of it may be abated, the exercise of it may be very languid, but the principle itself always remains, as it did in Peter:

Jesus saith unto him, feed my sheep. It may be observed from the repetition of this phrase following upon Peter's declaration of his love to Christ, that such only are proper persons to feed the lambs and sheep of Christ, who truly and sincerely love him: and in doing which they show their love to him: and who indeed would be concerned in this service, but such? since the work is so laborious, the conduct of those to whom they minister oftentimes is so disagreeable, the reproach they meet with from the world, and the opposition made unto them by Satan, and all the powers of darkness: it is true indeed, there are some that take upon them this work, and pretend to do it, who do not love Christ; but then they are such who feed themselves, and not the flock; and who feed the world's goats, and not Christ's lambs and sheep, and in time of danger leave the flock; only the true lovers of Christ faithfully perform this service, and abide in it by preaching the pure Gospel of Christ, by administering his ordinances, in their right manner, and by directing souls in all to Christ, the heavenly manna, and bread of life. Dr. Lightfoot thinks that by the threefold repetition of the order to feed Christ's lambs and sheep, is meant the threefold object of Peter's ministry; the Jews in their own land, the Gentiles, and the Israelites of the ten tribes, that were in Babylon.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Joh 21:17 Grk “Jesus said to him.”

Geneva Bible: Joh 21:17 He saith unto him the ( b ) third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou ...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Joh 21:1-25 - --1 Christ appearing again to his disciples is known of them by the great draught of fishes.12 He dines with them;15 earnestly commands Peter to feed hi...

Combined Bible: Joh 21:15-25 - --of the Gospel of John    CHAPTER 71    Christ and Peter    John 21:15-25    The following is an Analysi...

MHCC: Joh 21:15-19 - --Our Lord addressed Peter by his original name, as if he had forfeited that of Peter through his denying him. He now answered, Thou knowest that I love...

Matthew Henry: Joh 21:15-19 - -- We have here Christ's discourse with Peter after dinner, so much of it as relates to himself, in which, I. He examines his love to him, and gives hi...

Barclay: Joh 21:15-19 - --Here is a scene which must have been printed for ever on the mind of Peter. (i) First we must note the question which Jesus asked Peter: "Simon, son...

Constable: Joh 21:1-25 - --V. Epilogue ch. 21 This Gospel began with a theological prologue (1:1-18). It ends with a practical epilogue. Jo...

Constable: Joh 21:15-23 - --B. Jesus' teachings about motivation for service 21:15-23 Jesus now proceeded to use the miracle that He had just performed as the background for impo...

College: Joh 21:1-25 - --JOHN 21 C. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS (20:1-21:25) CONTINUED The resurrection appearances in chapter 20 take place in Jerusalem, those in chapter 21 ...

McGarvey: Joh 21:1-25 - -- CXL. SEVENTH APPEARANCE OF JESUS. (Sea of Galilee.) dJOHN XXI. 1-25.    d1 After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the d...

Lapide: Joh 21:1-22 - --1-25 CHAPTER 21 Ver. 1.— After these things, &c. From this it appears that Peter and the other Apostles had gone from Judea into Galilee, as Chris...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: John (Book Introduction) THE Fourth Gospel By Way of Introduction Greatest of Books The test of time has given the palm to the Fourth Gospel over all the books of the wor...

JFB: John (Book Introduction) THE author of the Fourth Gospel was the younger of the two sons of Zebedee, a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee, who resided at Bethsaida, where were bo...

JFB: John (Outline) THE WORD MADE FLESH. (Joh 1:1-14) A SAYING OF THE BAPTIST CONFIRMATORY OF THIS. (Joh 1:15) SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED. (Joh 1:16-18) THE BAPTIST'S TESTIM...

TSK: John (Book Introduction) John, who, according to the unanimous testimony of the ancient fathers and ecclesiastical writers, was the author of this Gospel, was the son of Zebed...

TSK: John 21 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Joh 21:1, Christ appearing again to his disciples is known of them by the great draught of fishes; Joh 21:12, He dines with them; Joh 21:...

Poole: John 21 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 21

MHCC: John (Book Introduction) The apostle and evangelist, John, seems to have been the youngest of the twelve. He was especially favoured with our Lord's regard and confidence, so ...

MHCC: John 21 (Chapter Introduction) (Joh 21:1-14) Christ appears to his disciples. (Joh 21:15-19) His discourse with Peter. (Joh 21:20-24) Christ's declaration concerning John. (Joh 2...

Matthew Henry: John (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Gospel According to St. John It is not material to enquire when and where this gospel was written; ...

Matthew Henry: John 21 (Chapter Introduction) The evangelist seemed to have concluded his history with the foregoing chapter; but (as St. Paul sometimes in his epistles), new matter occurring, ...

Barclay: John (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT JOHN The Gospel Of The EagleEye For many Christian people the Gospel according to St. John is the mos...

Barclay: John 21 (Chapter Introduction) The Risen Lord (Joh_21:1-14) The Reality Of The Resurrection (Joh_21:1-14 Continued) The Universality Of The Church (Joh_21:1-14 Continued) The ...

Constable: John (Book Introduction) Introduction Writer The writer of this Gospel did not identify himself as such in the ...

Constable: John (Outline) Outline I. Prologue 1:1-18 A. The preincarnate Word 1:1-5 B. The witness...

Constable: John John Bibliography Allen, Ronald B. "Affirming Right-of-Way on Ancient Paths." Bibliotheca Sacra 153:609 (Januar...

Haydock: John (Book Introduction) THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. INTRODUCTION St. John, the evangelist, a native of Bathsaida, in Galilee, was the son ...

Gill: John (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO JOHN The author of this Gospel is John, the son of Zebedee and Salome, the brother of James the greater; he outlived the rest of th...

College: John (Book Introduction) PREFACE INTRODUCTION Even the casual reader of the New Testament will notice that the first three accounts of Jesus' life are generally similar in t...

College: John (Outline) OUTLINE A good outline is more than half the battle in one's understanding and remembering the contents of any book. There is more than one way to bre...

Lapide: John (Book Introduction) NOTICE TO THE READER. Gospel of John Intro ——o—— AS it has been found impossible to compress the Translation of the Commentary upon S. John...

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