John 21:21-22 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - John 21:21-22

Curiosity rebuked. Peter and John were the two among the twelve who were nearest to Christ, and they were peculiarly intimate in their friendship and congenial in their disposition. It was very natural that, when the risen Jesus had uttered so explicit a prediction concerning the future of the apostle—viz., that he should live to old age, and then should glorify God by enduring a martyr's death by crucifixion—a general desire should be aroused in the breasts of the disciples to know... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 21:21

What shall this man do? - This question probably means, “What death shall he die?” But it is impossible to ascertain certainly why Peter asked this question. John was a favorite disciple, and perhaps Peter suspected that he would have a happier lot, and not be put to death in this manner. Peter was grieved at the question of Jesus; he was probably deeply affected with the account of his own approaching sufferings; and, with perhaps a mixture of grief and envy, he asked what would be his lot.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 21:22

That he tarry - That he live. The same word is used to express life in Phi 1:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:6.Till I come - Some have supposed this to refer to the destruction of Jerusalem; others to the day of judgment; others to signify that he would not die a violent death; but the plain meaning is, “If I will that he should not die at all, it is nothing to thee.” In this way the apostles evidently understood it, and hence raised a report that he would not die. It is remarkable that John was the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - John 21:20-21

John 21:20-21. Then Peter, turning about Namely, as he followed Jesus; seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following Silently, and in humble token of his readiness likewise to suffer the greatest extremities in the service of so gracious a Master. Peter, seeing him follow Jesus in the same manner as he himself did, though he was not called to it, saith to Jesus, Lord, what shall this man do What is to become of him? must he, who is now following with me, partake of the like sufferings,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - John 21:22-23

John 21:22-23. Jesus saith, If I will that he tarry Without dying; till I come With power and great glory, to execute the judgment I have threatened on mine enemies. Till then he certainly did tarry, and who can say when or how he died? What is that to thee Or to any one else? Follow thou me Mind thou thine own duty, and endeavour to prepare for thine own sufferings, and pry not, with a vain curiosity, into the secret events which may befall him or any other of thy brethren. Then As... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - John 21:1-25

165. At the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-25)The disciples then returned to Galilee to wait for Jesus as they had been instructed (see Matthew 26:32; Matthew 28:10). Seven of them had spent an unsuccessful night fishing on Lake Galilee (the Sea of Tiberias) when Jesus appeared at the shore. He called out some directions to them, and although they did not recognize him they did as he said. As a result they caught a large number of fish (John 21:1-6).No doubt some of the disciples recalled a similar... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - John 21:21

seeing . Greek. eidon. App-133 . what , &c.: literally ' this one, what? read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - John 21:22

If. App-118 . tarry. Greek meno, translated abide, remain, &c. See book comments for John. what, &c. Peter's curiosity rebuked. Compare Matthew 17:4 . to = with reference to. Greek. pros. App-104 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - John 21:21

Peter therefore seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?Peter's natural curiosity led to this question. The Lord had spoken of his becoming old, and of others girding him and stretching out his hands; and it is likely that Peter understood the dark implications of the Master's words. How naturally, therefore, that he should have wondered if a similar fate awaited John. However, the Lord never responded to questions of mere curiosity. read more