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Some scholars consider this an appendix as the proclamation of Jesus as Son of God is a natural end point to the gospel – certainly if you consider the whole gospel to be the giving of evidence to prove your case.
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Ch 21 takes us from Jerusalem to Galilee, without any transition. Tiberias is also the Sea of Galilee. The disciples are about their pre-vocation business.
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We have a classic Johannine antithesis – catching nothing/having too much in their net.
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Vs 4 disciples do not recognise Jesus – he speaks – the Beloved disciple, after the miracle recognises and names Jesus – ‘it is the Lord’. Peter responds impetuously as always.
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On the seashore a ‘eucharistic event’ happens. Jesus invites them to the breakfast. ‘Happy are those who are called to his supper’. 153 fish caught – all sorts of interpretations. Let’s assume it means a universal church.
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Jesus has already prepared fish – he doesn’t depend on what is caught. The theme of the physicality of the risen Lord is emphasised ie a ghost would not prepare a fire, cook breakfast etc. A doctrinal point is being made here.
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The encounter with Peter follows. Being around the charcoal fire is reminiscent of the fire in the court of Pilate! 3 questions follow, balancing the 3 questions before the cock crows pre-crucifixion. Some will interpret this ‘commission’ to Peter as his rehabilitation. That might be correct.
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However the play of Greek words (is it the same in Aramaic?) does not show Peter up in a good light – agapao/philao. This might explain why Peter is rather hurt by Jesus’ questions.
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Peter went to Rome in the end and was crucified upside down. There is an irony in the witness of Peter. The one who got things so wrong actually ends up a martyr for his Lord.
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Gain in this episode we have the theme of not acknowledging/acknowledging Jesus – this is why it may lie outside the original text of the Gospel (in this position)
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In the dialogue with Peter we are reminded of one of the ‘I am’ sayings of Jesus. Good Shepherd (and Psalm 23)
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We than have vss 20 -25 which focus not on Peter but on the Beloved Disciple – thought to be the author of this gospel. So again we end with a refocusing away form Peter. Dating makes it unlikely, as all who had known Jesus are probably dead by the time this Gospel was completed.
