A FINAL REVELATION

JOHN 21:1–3

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing

(John 21:3).

Many scholars believe that Chapter 21 was not written by John but was actually penned by one of his disciples under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and with the full approval of John. The following considerations have been put forward in defense of this conclusion: First, that Chapter 20 leaves the impression that the account ends there. Second, that in Chapters 1–20 John never mentions himself or the members of his immediate family. However, 21:2 mentions “the sons of Zebedee” (James and John). Third, the lengthy description of “the disciple whom Jesus loved” in 21:20 seems set in sharp contrast to the veiled manner in which John refers to himself in the rest of the book.

Despite these reasons, however, some have maintained that John did in fact write this last chapter. This, of course, is acceptable, and whether the chapter was written by John or merely approved by him, it has always been accepted as the Word of God. It is certainly agreed upon that this chapter offers a fitting closure to the book of John. This is because it proves that the risen Christ still lakes an interest in His church, that the disciples of Christ are to be fishers of men, that Peter had been fully reinstated to the fellowship of believers, and that Christ is indeed our sovereign Lord, which is highlighted in His prediction of Peter’s death.

His sovereignty is also manifested in the extraordinary way in which Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples. Just as He had done the very first time He came to Peter and his brethren, Jesus used ordinary circumstances to manifest His glory. Peter, who had betrayed his Lord, turned back to his former occupation. We don’t know whether he returned to fishing because he had forsaken his duty to preach the Gospel or whether it was merely out of the need for provision. Either way, it was an environment in which Peter felt comfortable, and it was here that Jesus revealed Himself.

Once again, as their nets returned empty, the disciples were reminded that their work was fruitless without God’s power. While they fished, toiled, and struggled, all came to nothing when empty of Christ. He is the power that draws fish from the sea, and He is the power that draws men out of the darkness to Himself.

CORAM DEO

Ezekiel 45–46

2 Peter 3

What do you think the disciples were feeling as they went fishing that night? What do you think they expected from God? Read Luke 5:1–11. Compare this passage to 21:1–14. What does Jesus do for the disciples? How is Christ’s glory and power displayed in both of these accounts?

For further study: Luke 5:1–11 • John 1:45–51

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