John 21:2
Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.
Simon Peter
Simon Peter, often referred to simply as Peter, was one of the most prominent apostles. He was a fisherman by trade and was called by Jesus to be a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). Peter is known for his boldness and leadership among the disciples, as well as his moments of doubt and denial of Christ (Matthew 26:69-75). After the resurrection, Peter became a foundational leader in the early church, as seen in the Book of Acts.

Thomas called Didymus
Thomas, also known as Didymus, meaning "twin," is famously known for his initial doubt about Jesus' resurrection, earning him the moniker "Doubting Thomas" (John 20:24-29). His eventual confession of faith, "My Lord and my God," is a powerful declaration of Jesus' divinity. Thomas's presence here highlights the transformation from doubt to faith that many believers experience.

Nathanael from Cana in Galilee
Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew in the synoptic gospels, was from Cana in Galilee, the site of Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). Nathanael was initially skeptical about Jesus, questioning if anything good could come from Nazareth (John 1:46), but he quickly recognized Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel (John 1:49).

the sons of Zebedee
The sons of Zebedee refer to James and John, who were also fishermen and among Jesus' closest disciples. They were part of Jesus' inner circle, witnessing significant events such as the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9). John is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation. James was the first apostle to be martyred (Acts 12:2).

and two other disciples
The identity of these two other disciples is not specified, which may suggest their roles were less prominent in the gospel narratives. This anonymity can symbolize the many unnamed followers of Christ who played crucial roles in the early church. Their presence emphasizes the communal aspect of discipleship and the diverse backgrounds of Jesus' followers.

were together
The gathering of these disciples signifies unity and fellowship among Jesus' followers after His resurrection. This togetherness is a precursor to the formation of the early church community, which was characterized by shared faith, prayer, and mission (Acts 2:42-47). It also reflects the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to be present where two or three are gathered in His name (Matthew 18:20).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Simon Peter
One of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his leadership among the apostles and his denial of Jesus before the crucifixion. He plays a significant role in the early church.

2. Thomas called Didymus
Also known as "Doubting Thomas," he is remembered for his initial skepticism about Jesus' resurrection until he saw Jesus with his own eyes.

3. Nathanael from Cana in Galilee
One of the lesser-known disciples, Nathanael was initially skeptical about Jesus but became a follower after Jesus demonstrated His divine knowledge.

4. The Sons of Zebedee
Refers to James and John, two of Jesus' closest disciples. They were fishermen by trade and were part of Jesus' inner circle.

5. Two Other Disciples
These disciples are not named in this passage, highlighting the presence of other followers who were part of Jesus' ministry but not as prominently featured in the Gospels.
Teaching Points
Unity Among Believers
The gathering of these disciples demonstrates the importance of fellowship and unity among believers, especially after Jesus' resurrection.

Diversity in the Body of Christ
The group includes a variety of personalities and backgrounds, reflecting the diverse nature of the church and the unique roles each person plays.

Faith and Doubt
Thomas's presence reminds us that doubt can be a part of the faith journey, and Jesus meets us in our doubts to strengthen our belief.

Obedience and Readiness
The disciples' gathering by the Sea of Galilee shows their readiness to follow Jesus' instructions, a model for our own obedience to Christ's call.

Witness and Testimony
Each disciple had a personal encounter with Jesus, underscoring the importance of personal testimony in sharing the Gospel.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the diversity of the disciples in John 21:2 reflect the diversity within the modern church, and how can this diversity be a strength?

2. In what ways can we, like Thomas, move from doubt to faith in our own spiritual journeys?

3. How does the unity of the disciples in this passage inspire us to seek unity within our own church communities?

4. What can we learn from the disciples' readiness to gather and follow Jesus' instructions, and how can we apply this to our daily lives?

5. How can the personal testimonies of the disciples encourage us to share our own experiences of Jesus with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 4:18-22
This passage describes the calling of Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, emphasizing their initial commitment to follow Jesus.

John 20:24-29
This passage recounts Thomas's doubt and subsequent belief, illustrating his journey from skepticism to faith.

John 1:45-51
Nathanael's initial encounter with Jesus, where Jesus reveals His knowledge of Nathanael's character, leading to Nathanael's belief.

Acts 1:13-14
Lists the apostles gathered in the upper room after Jesus' ascension, showing the continued unity and prayerful anticipation of the Holy Spirit.
An Eloquent CatalogueAlexander MaclarenJohn 21:2
A Night and a Morning by the Lake of GalileeO ,Stanford, D. D.John 21:1-14
The Appearance of Christ At the Sea of TiberiasBp. Ryle.John 21:1-14
The Relation of Christ to the Secular Rife of His DisciplD. Thomas, D. D.John 21:1-14
The Reward of FaithJ. McNeil.John 21:1-14
The Risen Christ and His DisciplesEdward N. Packard.John 21:1-14
The Risen Christ and His DisciplesHistory, Prophecy, and GospelJohn 21:1-14
The Sea of TiberiasJohn 21:1-14
The Second Miraculous Draught of FishesW. M. Taylor, D. D.John 21:1-14
The Second Miraculous Draught of FishesJ. Laidlaw, D. D.John 21:1-14
The Second Miraculous Draught of FishesJohn 21:1-14
The Seven Who Saw the Risen LordA. Maclaren, D. D.John 21:1-14
TiberiasDixon's "Holy Land."John 21:1-14
People
Didymus, Jesus, John, Jonah, Jonas, Nathanael, Peter, Simon, Thomas, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Cana, Galilee, Sea of Tiberias
Topics
Cana, Didymus, Disciples, Galilee, Master's, Named, Nathanael, Nathan'a-el, Peter, Simon, Sons, Thomas, Twin, Zabdi, Zebedee, Zeb'edee
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 21:2

     5739   twins

John 21:1-13

     4420   breakfast

John 21:2-6

     5113   Peter, disciple

Library
November 20. "The Disciple whom Jesus Loved Leaned on his Breast" (John xxi. 20).
"The disciple whom Jesus loved leaned on His breast" (John xxi. 20). An American gentleman once visited the saintly Albert Bengel. He was very desirous to hear him pray. So one night he lingered at his door, hoping to overhear his closing devotions. The rooms were adjoining and the doors ajar. The good man finished his studies, closed his books, knelt down for a moment and simply said: "Dear Lord Jesus, things are still the same between us," and then sweetly fell asleep. So close was his communion
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

'Lovest Thou Me?'
'Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed My lambs.'--JOHN xxi. 15. Peter had already seen the risen Lord. There had been that interview on Easter morning, on which the seal of sacred secrecy was impressed; when, alone, the denier poured out his heart to his Lord, and was taken to the heart that he had wounded. Then there had been two interviews on the two successive Sundays
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

An Eloquent Catalogue
'There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of His disciples.'--JOHN xxi. 2. This chapter, containing the infinitely significant and pathetic account of our Lord's appearance to these disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, is evidently an appendix to the Gospel of John. The design of that Gospel is complete with the previous chapter, and there is a formal close, as of the whole book, at the end thereof. But whilst
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The Beach and the Sea
'When the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore; but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.'--JOHN xxi. 4. The incident recorded in this appendix to John's Gospel is separated from the other appearances of our risen Lord in respect of place, time, and purpose. They all occurred in and about Jerusalem; this took place in Galilee. The bulk of them happened on the day of the Resurrection, one of them a week after. This, of course, to allow time for the journey, must have been at a considerably
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

'It is the Lord!'
'Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord.--JOHN xxi. 7. It seems a very strange thing that these disciples had not, at an earlier period of this incident, discovered the presence of Christ, inasmuch as the whole was so manifestly a repetition of that former event by which the commencement of their ministry had been signalised, when He called them to become 'fishers of men.' We are apt to suppose that when once again they embarked on the lake, and went back to their
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Youth and Age, and the Command for Both
Annual Sermon to the Young '... When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.... And when He had spoken this, He saith unto him, Follow Me.'--JOHN xxi. 18, 19. The immediate reference of these words is, of course, to the martyrdom of the Apostle Peter. Our Lord contrasts the vigorous and somewhat self-willed youth and the mellowed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

'They Also Serve who Only Stand and Wait'
'Peter, seeing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do! Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou Me.'--John xxi. 21, 22. We have seen in a former sermon that the charge of the risen Christ to Peter, which immediately precedes these verses, allotted to him service and suffering. The closing words of that charge 'Follow Me!' had a deep significance, as uniting both parts of his task in the one supreme command of imitation of his Master.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

November the Thirteenth a Transformed Fisherman
"Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing." --JOHN xxi. 1-14. Simon Peter had often gone a fishing, but never had he gone as he went in the twilight of that most wonderful evening. He handled the ropes in a new style, with a new dignity born of the bigger capacity of his own soul. He turned to the familiar task, but with a quite unfamiliar spirit. He went a fishing, but the power of the resurrection went with him. This action of Simon Peter's is the only true test of the reality of any spiritual
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Love and Service.
TEXT: JOHN xxi. 16. "He saith to him again a second time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou Me? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Tend my sheep." THERE is no more important charge than that which the Lord gave to His apostle in these words. He calls Himself the Shepherd of His flock; therefore what He here committed to the charge of the apostle was to do the Lord's own work in His name, and under His oversight and ruling direction as Chief Shepherd. But
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

On the Same Words of the Gospel of John. xxi. 15, "Simon, Son of John, Lovest Thou Me More than These?" Etc.
1. Ye remember that the Apostle Peter, the first of all the Apostles, was disturbed at the Lord's Passion. Of his own self disturbed, but by Christ renewed. For he was first a bold presumer, and became afterwards a timid denier. He had promised that he would die for the Lord, when the Lord was first to die for him. When he said then, "I will be with Thee even unto death," and "I will lay down my life for Thee;" the Lord answered him, "Wilt thou lay down thy life for Me? Verily I say unto thee, Before
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, John. xxi. 16, "Simon, Son of John, Lovest Thou Me?" Etc.
1. Ye have observed, beloved, that in to-day's lesson it was said by the Lord to Peter in a question, "Lovest thou Me?" To whom he answered, "Thou knowest, Lord, that I love thee." This was done a second, and a third time; and at each several reply, the Lord said, "Feed My lambs." [4317] To Peter did Christ commend His lambs to be fed, who fed even Peter himself. For what could Peter do for the Lord, especially now that He had an Immortal Body, and was about to ascend into heaven? As though He had
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Lovest Thou Me?
Without preface, for we shall have but little time this morning--may God help us to make good use of it!--we shall mention three things: first a solemn question--"Lovest thou me?" secondly, a discreet answer, "Yes, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee;" and thirdly, a required demonstration of the fact, "He saith unto him, Feed my lambs;" or, again, "Feed my sheep." I. First, then, here was A SOLEMN QUESTION, which our Saviour put to Peter, not for his own information, for, as Peter said, "Thou knowest
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Christ among the Common Things of Life
William James Dawson, Congregational preacher and evangelist, was born in Towcester, Northamptonshire, in 1854. He was educated at Kingswood School, Bath, and Didsbury College, Manchester. He has long been known as an author of originality and pure literary style. In 1906 he received the pastorate of Highbury Quadrant Congregational Church, London, and accepted an invitation to do general evangelistic work under the auspices of the National Council of the Congregational churches of the United States.
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume 10

Erroneous Opinions Imputed to the Apostles.
A species of candour which is shown towards every other book is sometimes refused to the Scriptures: and that is, the placing of a distinction between judgment and testimony. We do not usually question the credit of a writer, by reason of an opinion he may have delivered upon subjects unconnected with his evidence: and even upon subjects connected with his account, or mixed with it in the same discourse or writing, we naturally separate facts from opinions, testimony from observation, narrative from
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Of Avoiding of Curious Inquiry into the Life of Another
"My Son, be not curious, nor trouble thyself with vain cares. What is that to thee? Follow thou Me.(1) For what is it to thee whether a man be this or that, or say or do thus or thus? Thou hast no need to answer for others, but thou must give an answer for thyself. Why therefore dost thou entangle thyself? Behold, I know all men, and I behold all things which are done under the sun; and I know how it standeth with each one, what he thinketh, what he willeth, and to what end his thoughts reach.
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Instructions to Converts.
Text.--Feed my lambs.--John xxi. 15. YOU, who read your Bibles, recollect the connection in which these words are found, and by whom they were spoken. They were addressed by the Lord Jesus Christ to Peter, after he had denied his Lord, and had professed repentance. Probably one of the designs which Christ had in view, in suffering Peter to sin so awfully as to deny his master, was to produce a deeper work of grace in him, and thus fit him for the peculiar duty to which he intended to call him, in
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion

Synopsis. --Arbitrary Criticism of the Biblical Narratives of the Raising of the "Dead. " --Facts which it Ignores. --The Subject Related to the Phenomena of Trance
III SYNOPSIS.--Arbitrary criticism of the Biblical narratives of the raising of the "dead."--Facts which it ignores.--The subject related to the phenomena of trance, and records of premature burial.--The resuscitation in Elisha's tomb probably historical.--Jesus' raising of the ruler's daughter plainly a case of this kind.--His raising of the widow's son probably such.--The hypothesis that his raising of Lazarus may also have been such critically examined.--The record allows this supposition.--Further
James Morris Whiton—Miracles and Supernatural Religion

Seventh Appearance of Jesus.
(Sea of Galilee.) ^D John XXI. 1-25. ^d 1 After these things Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and he manifested himself on this wise. 2 There was together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee [see p. 111], and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. [As usual, Peter was the leader.] They say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and entered into the boat;
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Harmony of the Gospels
36. The church early appreciated the value and the difficulty of having four different pictures of the life and teachings of the Lord. Irenaeus at the close of the second century felt it to be as essential that there should be four gospels as that there should be "four zones of the world, four principal winds, and four faces of the cherubim" (Against Heresies III. ii. 8). 37. Before Irenaeus, however, another had sought to obviate the difficulty of having four records which seem at some points to
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

Feeding the Lambs.
Some years ago when attending to the work to which the Lord had called me in one of the sunny Southern States it was my happy privilege to enjoy for a few days the kind hospitality of a generous Christian farmer. One balmy afternoon while walking over the pleasant fields of his large farm, with my heart in sweet communion with God, I came upon the most beautiful flock of sheep it had ever been my privilege to behold. They were quietly grazing in a rich green pasture, near by which silently flowed
Charles Ebert Orr—Food for the Lambs; or, Helps for Young Christians

The Fall of the Empire and of the Papacy
[Sidenote: Urban IV (1261-4).] The date of Alexander's death marks the beginning of a new episode in the history of the mediaval Papacy. His successor, Urban IV, was a Frenchman. With more vigour than his predecessor he pursued the policy of the destruction of the Hohenstaufen. Since the English prince had proved a useless tool and no more money could be wrung from the English people, he obtained the renunciation of the claims of Edmund to the Sicilian crown and turned to his native country for a
D. J. Medley—The Church and the Empire

Epistle xx. To Mauricius Augustus.
To Mauricius Augustus. Gregory to Mauricius, &c. Our most pious and God-appointed lord, among his other august cares and burdens, watches also in the uprightness of spiritual zeal over the preservation of peace among the priesthood, inasmuch as he piously and truly considers that no one can govern earthly things aright unless he knows how to deal with divine things, and that the peace of the republic hangs on the peace of the universal Church. For, most serene Lord, what human power, and what strength
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

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