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John 21:1-19
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St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church,
Madison, WI .

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • "Bread and Fish," "Fishing for Humans," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
  • LIV.25-43; Tatian's Diatessaron (c. 150-160).
  • I.5, Paedagogus, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • Chapter XV, Scorpiace,  Tertullian (c. 213)
  • II.XLV, Against Celsus, Origen. (c.246)
  • Epistle II -- Cyprian of Carthage (c. 250)
  • On the Unity of the Church, Cyprian of Carthage (c. 250)
  • VII.25, Ecclesiastical History, Eusebius of Caesarea, (c. 320).
  • From Augustine's Tractates on John: Tractate 122 (20:30, 31; 21:1-11); Tractate 123 (21:12-19).
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "Peter by this triple confession is restored into his former position from where he fell by his triple denial: and furthermore it is proclaimed that he is indeed a pastor, who shows his love to Christ in feeding his sheep."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "Christ makes himself known to his people, usually in his ordinances; but sometimes by his Spirit he visits them when employed in their business."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "Christ orders St. Peter to follow him in token of his readiness to be crucified in his cause. St. John stays not for the call; he rises and follows him too; but says not one word of his own love or zeal. He chose that the action only should speak this; and even when he records the circumstance, he tells us not what that action meant, but with great simplicity relates the fact only. If here and there a generous heart sees and emulates it, be it so; but he is not solicitous that men should admire it. It was addressed to his beloved Master, and it was enough that he understood it."
  • "Lovest Thou Me?" John 21:15-17, Charles H. Spurgeon, 1857.
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "On the night of the betrayal, when Christ intimated that his disciples would forsake him in the trial he was about to suffer, Peter spoke up and asserted that though all others forsook him he would never forsake him...Since that fall, Christ had met with Peter among the rest of the disciples, but had not referred to this subject, but now has come the time for a restoration of Peter. Hence, he probes him with the question, "Lovest thou me more than these?" "
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • "Do You Love Me?" Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2019.
    • "Right on the heels of Thomas, we have the story of Peter, another character in the Gospel of John often misinterpreted."
  • Commentary, John 21:1-19, Robert Hoch, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2013.
    • "It is almost as if by deciding to follow Jesus, we return to our true selves, beloved of God. Our lives imitate Christ's life, our joys Christ's joy, our heartaches Christ's heartache."
  • "Resurrection in Abundance," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2016.
    • "This is a sermon that points to what grace upon grace really can be -- a hell of a lot fish, preachers, when you least expect it, just like the wine at Cana, when all hope is gone, when you wonder what you are doing, when you think there is no future, when your well has dried up, when you doubt that grace is true, when you question if grace is for you."
  • "Two Things Everyone Needs," David Lose, ...in the meantime, 2014.
    • "This story is just one of hundreds in Scripture that do the same thing by granting us a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose."
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2016.
  • "Going Fishing," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2016.
  • Life between two fires, Andrw Prior, 2016.
  • Commentary, John 21:1-19, Michael Palmer, A Plain Account, 2016
    • "Here they were, sitting in a boat, fishing, dropping that net in the water the same way they had countless times before…before Jesus called them into a life of another kind. That call must have felt like a lifetime ago."
  • "Repetition," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2016.
  • Pulpit Fiction, podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2016.
  • "A Real Fish Story," Glenn Monson, Law & Gospel Everywhere, 2016.
  • "Chosen to Testify," Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer, 2016.
    • "If we want to share our experience of new life, we first have to demonstrate it by doing the simple, but demanding task of tending the sheep around us."
  • "Drawn into God's Plan," Commented Bible Passages from Taize, 2008.
  • Commentary, John 21:1-19, Karyn Wiseman, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2013.
    • "Embrace the reality of the fishermen doing something that might seem absurd to others and one who denied the Lord to become the rock that leads a church."
  • "Commissioned Yet Again," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2013.
    • "Do you think our people are ready to hear that? That all their lives are potential arenas to add what they have to the bounty Jesus has provided in order that, together and with Peter, we may feed his sheep? I’m not sure."
  • "Feed My Sheep," "Darkness," "Nathaniel," sermon discussion from Frederick Buechner, Frederick Buechner Blog.
    • "Then Jesus said, "Feed my lambs. Feed my sheep;' and you get the feeling that this time Peter didn't miss the point. From fisher of fish to fisher of people to keeper of the keys to shepherd. It was the Rock's final promotion, and from that day forward he never let the head office down again."
  • "Peter," Frederick Buechner, Buechner Blog.
    • "From fisher of fish to fisher of people to keeper of the keys to shepherd. It was the Rock's final promotion, and from that day forward he never let the head office down again."
  • "Tevye and Golde sing, 'Do You Love me?'" D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2019.
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, John 21:1-19, David Ewart, 2010.
    • "What I see in this encounter is that Jesus twice offers Peter the opportunity to again over promise as he did at the last supper (I will NEVER deny you). And so, when Jesus asks Peter for the third time, "Do you love me?" Jesus uses "philios." In effect, accepting Peter's offer of friendship."
  • "You Can Run, But You Can't Hide," Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2013.
    • "He knows where we live. He stands on the shores of our lives. He stands at our front doors. And when we answer his knock, he has just two questions for us: 'Do you love me?' and, if so, 'What are you going to do about it?'"
  • "Stretched Out," Andrew Prior, 2013.
  • Pulpit Fiction, podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2013.
  • "Do You Love Me?" Janice Love, Ekklesia Project, 2013.
  • "Following Jesus Once More," the Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2013.
    • "Have you ever found yourself in the dark place of fear or uncertainty the disciples appear to be in at the start of today's story? What was that like? How were you led out of it? Or are you still there? If that is the case, how might this story offer direction or hope to you now?"
  • Comentario del Evangelio por Miriam Lizeth Bermúdez, Juan 21:1-19, Working Preacher, 2013.
  • Commentary, John 21:1-19, Frank L. Crouch, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2010.
    • "When Jesus himself clarifies the highest form of agapē, he does so in terms of philos. Love for friends is no second class love here."
  • John 21:19, Easter 3C, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "First Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Easter 3C, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Peter is not disowned. Peter is legendary. His rehabilitation is a celebration of divine grace."
      • "On Shore: A Reflection on John 21:1-9," William Loader.
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "Jesus tells Peter at the end of our text, "Follow me." (All of the "follows" are akoloutheo in Greek.) What Jesus tells Peter he cannot do earlier, he now tells him to do. Following Jesus -- for Peter -- means death. Peter's response, "Yes, I love you," involves the commitment of his entire life."
  • "Mining for Love," Debra Dean Murphy, Intersections, 2010.
    • "What would it mean, in fact, as Wendell Berry has asked, to make of our love an economic practice?"
  • "Do You Love Me?" Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
  • Lectionary Blogging, John 21:1-19, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
    • "At daybreak, however, the situation changes.  Proias de ede genomenes este--literally:  'But morning was now coming to be.'  That statement is a summary of a theme that stretches all the way back to the first chapter of the fourth gospel."
  • "The Beloved Disciple," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Friendship," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2008.
  • Laterally Luke, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • "The Call to Discipleship," Easter to Trinity with the Gospel of John: Bearing Witness to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Paul S. Berge, Word & World Texts in Context, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, 1995.
    • "We are the richer for this epilogue chapter in the Gospel of John, reminding us of God's inviting Son who provides for our needs and whose forgiving love continues to call and commission us to follow and care for God's own."
  • Third Sunday of Easter, The Church in Mission: Gospel Texts for the Sundays of Easter (Series C), Duane A. Olson Word & World Texts in Context, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, 1995.
    • "Both the Johannine themes of the nurturing of the disciple community and its missionary calling are found in this passage."
  • "The Risen Christ by Lake Galilee," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
  • "The Catch, The Meal, and the Commitment," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
    • "What are you planning for vacation this summer?"
  • "Simon, mi ami tu?" A meditation about Peter and Jesus illustrated richly with images from the collection at Christus Rex.
  • "The Duties of Discipleship (John 21:1-25)," by Robert Deffinbaugh at the Biblical Studies Foundation.
    • "I fear that Christians today understand these two words, ?Follow me,? in a most shallow and superficial way."
  • John 21:15-19, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • John 21 and John 21:15-19, Wikipedia.
  • "Friendship," issue theme of Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2008. Articles, study guide, inspirational pieces, worship ideas, and more
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Bartholomew, Gilbert L., "Feed My Lambs: John 21:15-19 as Oral Gospel," Semeia, 1987.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Berge, Paul S., "Easter to Trinity with the Gospel of John: Bearing Witness to Father, Son and Holy Spirit," Word & World, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Breuer, Sarah Dylan, "Unlimited Good," The Christian Century, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Brown, Raymond E., "The Resurrection in John 21 - Missionary and Pastoral Directives for the Church," Worship, 1990.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Brown, Rebecca Pugh, "Preaching Justice and Mercy: Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for April," The Living Pulpit, 2007. (See also "Atonement," issue focus of The Living Pulpit, 16.2, 2007.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Clayton, Kimberly L., "The Easter Texts: Getting Hold (or not) of Easter," Currents in Theology and Mission, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Franzmann, M. and M. Klinger, "The Call Stories of John 1 and John 21," St. Vladimir's Theological Quarterly, 1992.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Johnston, Scott Black, "Looking Death in the Eye," Journal for Preachers, 2007. (Sermon)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kiley, Mark, "Three More Fish Stories," Journal of Biblical Literature, 2008.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • McKay, K.L., "Style and Significance in the Language of John 21:15-17," Novum Testamentum, 1985.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Minear, Paul S., "The Original Functions of John 21," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1983.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Oladipo, Caleb O., "John 21:15-17, Between Text & Sermon," Interpretation, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Olson, Duane A., "The Church in Mission: Gospel Texts for the Sundays after Easter (Series C)," Word & World, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Poling, Travis Edward Turner, "Every Time the World Ends, John 21:1-25; Revelation 21:1-4, 22:1-5," Brethren Life and Thought, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Romeo, Joseph A., "Gematria and John 21:11 -- The Children of God," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1978.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Schneiders, Sandra M., "John 21:1-14, Expository Article," Interpretation, 1989.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Segovia, Fernando F., "The Final Farewell of Jesus: A Reading of John 20:30-21:25," Semeia, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Somerville, James C., "Encore," The Christian Century, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Spencer, Patrick E., "Narrative Echoes in John 21: Intertextual Interpretation and Intratextual Connection," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1999.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Wiarda, Timothy, "John 21:1-23: Narrative Unity and Its Implications," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1992.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Sermons:
  • "The Grace of Another Day," the Rev. Dr. Wiley Stephens, Day 1, 2007.
  • Easter 3C, April 22, 2007, Goettinger Predigten: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors:
    • "The Last Word Is the First Word," Hubert Beck
    • "Happy to Find a Fall Guy," David Zersen
  • "Looking Death in the Eye," the Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnson, Day 1, 2004.
  • "Do You Love Me?" Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily:
    • Easter 3, 2010
    • Easter 3, 2007
    • Easter 3, 2005
    • Easter 3, 2004
    • Easter 3, 1999
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily, 1999.
• With Children:
  • Worshiping with Children, Easter 3C, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2013.
  • "The Big Catch," Jennifer and Linda Edwards, The Children's Chapel.
  • "The Disciples Return to Fishing," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "Casting a Net," Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
  • "Jesus Helps Catch Fish," "Jesus Restores Peter," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
  • John 19-21 Crossword, Don Crownover's Bible Puzzles.
• Drama:
  • "The Reinstatement," Jane and Mark Lewis, Potted Jam.
  • "One Hundred Fifty-Three Big Fish," from A Certain Jesus by Jose Ignacio and Maria Lopez Vigil. Ideal for catechetical and liturgical dramatization of today's gospel. Claretian Publications.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, John 21:11, John 21:15-17, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: John 21:1-19, John 21:1-19 #2, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • John 21:1-19 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
  • John 21:3, Heartlight - Free Christian PowerPoint Backgrounds.
  • Beach Breakfast, Clip Art, Anglican Diocese of Dunedin, New Zealand.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: John 21:15, 16, 17, 19. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • Hymnal Scripture References, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
  • At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):
    • I Love Thee
    • Jesus Calls Us
    • My Jesus, I Love Thee
  • "Peter Said, 'I'm Going Fishing'," Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, BEECHER 8.7.8.7. D.
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • Resurrection
  • Rebirth/New Life
  • Seeing/Not Seeing
  • Conversion
  • Love
  • Feeding/Eucharist
  • Doers of the Word
• The above links are for the study of specifically John's resurrection account. See also Study Links and Resources for the general Accounts of Jesus' Resurrection
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of John

• INDEX BY SCRIPTURE
• PODCASTS
• NARRATIVE LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• DAILY LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS (includes Creation)
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF VIOLENCE
• PEACE RESOURCES
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER

• Year C
• Maundy Thurs Apr 14
• Good Friday Apr 15
• Easter Day Apr 17
• Easter 2 Apr 24
• Easter 3 May 1
• Easter 4 May 8
• Easter 5 May 15
• Easter 6 May 22
• Ascension May 26
• Easter 7 May 29
• Pentecost June 5
  

• Calendars
• YEAR A
• YEAR B
• YEAR C

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