John 21:1-2, The Epilogue at the Sea of Tiberias

1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together.

Chapter 21 is an epilogue to John’s Gospel, which could have concluded with Chapter 20 and John’s explanation of why he wrote what he did. This epilogue, however, balances the prologue (1:1-18). While the prologue sketches the prehistory of the Gospel, the epilogue foresees its post-history. Chapter 21 symbolizes the church’s mission. As the prologue goes back to creation, the epilogue previews the mission of the disciples being sent through the miraculous catch of fish and focuses on the different roles of Peter and John, suggesting followers of Jesus play various roles serving him and spreading the gospel. The epilogue also mentions the return of Jesus in verse 22, corresponding in thoughtful symmetry to “In the beginning.”

Jesus commanded his disciples through an angel, as recorded in Mark 16 and Matthew 28, to return to the Sea of Galilee (also called Tiberias) and wait for him. They obey his command and now he will appear to them as their mission to tell the world about the good news of Jesus begins. Why all the disciples are not mentioned remains a mystery. My guess is that they are all there but not out fishing that morning.

On another note, Jesus may also have told them to go to the Galilee to get them out of Jerusalem for their own safety and sanity after the passion events.

Lord Jesus, as your disciples obeyed your command to go to Galilee, help us today to obey your command to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. Amen.