January 16, 2008

 

Chapter 21, verses 15-25- this portion of the epilogue moves to focus primarily on the apostle Peter.  Many relate this three fold confession of Peter in

Vs.15-17 as corresponding to Peter’s three fold denial of Jesus in ch.18:17, 25, & 27.   In that sense, this portion of scripture serves to re-affirm Peter’s status

before the Lord.

  In vs. 15, Jesus asks “Simon….do you love Me more than these?”  This question my reflect one of the following:

1) Do you love Me more than these other men love me?

2) Do you love Me more than you love these men?

3) Do you love Me more than you love these things (boat, fishing)?

  The first question is most likely correct in view of Peter’s earlier exaggerated view of his own love for Christ- see Mt.26:33; Mk.14:29; and John 13:37.  Jesus is asking if Peter loves Him as the Crucified One, rather than as the Rabbi and Teacher.

  Much has been made of the particular Greek words that appear in this context:

 

1) Jesus use of agapeo in the first two questions (vs.15 & 16), then His use of

phileo  in vs.17.  Clearly, the first is a love involving the volition, while the second involves affection.  However, to over-play these differences may not

render the text well; there is overlap of these two words for “love”.

 

2) Peter’s use of oidas for “know” in vs.15, 16, & 17; then his switch to

ginosko for “know” in second part of vs.17.  The first (oidas) carries more of

an intellectual grasp, while ginosko  refers to knowledge gained thru experience.

 

3) Jesus’ directive to Peter to feed the sheep (boska) in the first and last

instance (vs.15 & 17) with the appearance of poimaine [shepherd] in the

middle – vs.16. 

 

The three fold question and answer indicates the Jesus was probing deeper into Peter’s mindset with the idea of re-enforcing that his (Peter’s) calling remained

unchanged.  Further, as earlier in his experience, Peter was called to leave

laboring for fish in order to fish for men, Jesus uses language of shepherding

to indicate Peter’s movement from evangelist (fish) to  pastor (sheep).  Early in

his ministry, Peter is an evangelist (Acts period) while later, his work is that

of pastoral guidance-- see his two epistles.  Rom. Catholic writers see this

dialogue between Peter and Jesus as relating to Peter’s elevated position as the appointed head of the church; it is likely that it is less positional, and much more intended to convey the personal relationship between Jesus and Peter in view of

his earlier betrayal.

 

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   Generally, it is understood that Jesus’ questions (Do you love me?) are to

move Peter to actual service—thus, Jesus directs Peter to care for the ‘sheep’

that make up the church of Jesus Christ (I Peter 5:2).  The text mentions Peter’s grief (vs.17) at the third inquiry by the Lord—this may reflect Peter’s resistance

to move more deeply to reflect on the nature of his love.  Perhaps Jesus is attempting to show Peter that his spontaneity does not prove his authenticity.

Authenticity is seen in actions, not words.

   It may also be suggested that this dialogue with Peter reminds us that our love for the Lord may only be seen with respect to our love and treatment of His

people (similar truth of Matt.25:45).  If we love Christ, we will love and care for

what He loves and cares for- His Church (Eph. 5:25).

   Chapter 21, verses 18-19- tenderly, Jesus advises Peter that he will experience old age before martyrdom.  Some commentators see this as Jesus

showing Peter that his impulsivity will be restricted by the feebleness of

age; but that his life & death will bring glory to God.  Jesus closes with

“Follow Me”.