John 21:23

"Jesus said to him, “If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me.”"

Key Reflection

In John 21:23, Jesus addresses Peter directly, emphasizing the nature of his role as a disciple and the sovereignty of Christ's will. By asking, "If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you?" Jesus highlights that Peter’s concern about his own mortality should not overshadow following him faithfully. This exchange underscores the theme of obedience over personal desires, reflecting a deeper theological truth about discipleship and the divine plan for the apostles.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 23. Then went this saying, &c. This mistake arose very naturally-- 1st. From the words of Jesus, which might be easily misunderstood to mean that he should not die; and, 2nd. It was probably confirmed when it was seen that John survived all the other apostles, had escaped all the dangers of persecution, and was leading a peaceful life at Ephesus. This mistake John deemed it proper to correct before he died, and has thus left on record what Jesus said and what he meant. __________________________________________________________________

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