John 21

Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples

1 After this Jesus b revealed himself c again to the disciples by d the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, e Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of f Cana in Galilee, g the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but h that night they caught nothing.

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples i did not know that it was Jesus. 5 j Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." 6 k He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple l whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, m he put on his outer garment, for he was n stripped for work, and o threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards 1 off.

9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, p "Come and q have breakfast." Now r none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and s took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 t This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Jesus and Peter

15 When they had u finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, v "Simon, w son of John, x do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed y my lambs." 16 He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, z "Tend y my sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him a the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, b you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed c my sheep. 18 d Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, e you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go." 19 (This he said to show f by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, g "Follow me."

Jesus and the Beloved Apostle

20 Peter turned and saw h the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, i the one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" 22 Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain j until k I come, what is that to you? l You follow me!" 23 So the saying spread abroad among m the brothers 2 that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?"

24 This is the disciple n who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and o we know p that his testimony is true.

25 Now q there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that r the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

  1. Cross References
    John 21:14
    This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
    Mark 16:12
    After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country.
    Mark 16:14
    Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.
    John 7:4
    For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.
  2. Cross References
    John 20:19
    On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you.
    John 20:26
    Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you.
  3. Cross References
    John 6:1
    After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias.
  4. Cross References
    John 11:16
    So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him.
  5. Cross References
    John 2:1
    On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
    John 4:46
    So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill.
  6. Cross References
    Matthew 4:21
    And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
    Luke 5:10
    And so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.
  7. Cross References
    Luke 5:5
    And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.
  8. Cross References
    John 20:14
    Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.
  9. Cross References
    Luke 24:41
    And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?
  10. Cross References
    Luke 5:4
    And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.
    Luke 5:6 - 7
    And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.
  11. Cross References
    John 13:23
    One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table close to Jesus.
  12. Cross References
    John 21:18
    Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.
    John 13:4
    Rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.
  13. Cross References
    1 Samuel 19:24
    And he too stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, "Is Saul also among the prophets?
    Isaiah 20:2
    At that time the Lord spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, "Go, and loose the sackcloth from your waist and take off your sandals from your feet," and he did so, walking naked and barefoot.
    Micah 1:8
    For this I will lament and wail; I will go stripped and naked; I will make lamentation like the jackals, and mourning like the ostriches.
  14. Cross References
    Matthew 14:29
    He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
  15. Cross References
    Acts 10:41
    Not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
  16. Cross References
    John 21:15
    When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs.
  17. Cross References
    John 4:27
    Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, "What do you seek?" or, "Why are you talking with her?
  18. Cross References
    John 21:9
    When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.
  19. Cross References
    John 21:1
    After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way.
    John 20:19
    On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you.
    John 20:26
    Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you.
  20. Cross References
    John 21:12
    Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.
  21. Cross References
    Matthew 16:17
    And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
    Luke 22:31
    Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat.
  22. Cross References
    John 1:42
    He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter).
  23. Cross References
    Matthew 26:33
    Peter answered him, "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.
    Mark 14:29
    Peter said to him, "Even though they all fall away, I will not.
  24. Cross References
    John 10:11 - 16
    I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
    Isaiah 40:11
    He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
  25. Cross References
    Acts 20:28
    Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
    1 Peter 5:2
    Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly.
    Revelation 7:17
    For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
  26. Cross References
    John 21:15
    When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs.
  27. Cross References
    John 13:38
    Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.
  28. Cross References
    John 2:25
    And needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.
  29. Cross References
    John 21:16
    He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep.
  30. Cross References
    John 13:36
    Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.
  31. Cross References
    John 21:7
    That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.
  32. Cross References
    2 Peter 1:14
    Since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
  33. Cross References
    John 21:22
    Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!
    Matthew 16:24
    Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
    John 13:36
    Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.
    John 8:12
    Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
  34. Cross References
    John 21:7
    That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.
  35. Cross References
    John 13:25
    So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, "Lord, who is it?
  36. Cross References
    Matthew 10:23
    When they persecute you in one town, flee to th...
    Matthew 16:28
    Truly, I say to you, there are some standing he...
    1 Corinthians 4:5
    Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the ...
    1 Corinthians 11:26
    For as often as you eat this bread and drink th...
    James 5:7
    Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the comi...
    Revelation 2:25
    Only hold fast what you have until I come.
  37. Cross References
    John 14:3
    And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will...
    John 14:18
    I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to...
    John 14:28
    You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and ...
    Hebrews 10:37
    For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one wi...
    Revelation 2:5
    Remember therefore from where you have fallen; ...
    Revelation 2:16
    Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you so...
    Revelation 3:3
    Remember, then, what you received and heard. Ke...
    Revelation 3:11
    I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so t...
    Revelation 16:15
    ("Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is ...
    Revelation 22:7
    "And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the o...
    Revelation 22:12
    Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompens...
    Revelation 22:20
    He who testifies to these things says, "Surely ...
    Matthew 16:27
    For the Son of Man is going to come with his an...
  38. Cross References
    John 21:19
    (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, "Follow me.
  39. Cross References
    Acts 1:15
    In those days Peter stood up among the brothers...
    Acts 9:30
    And when the brothers learned this, they brough...
    Acts 11:1
    Now the apostles and the brothers who were thro...
    Acts 12:17
    But motioning to them with his hand to be silen...
    Acts 15:1
    But some men came down from Judea and were teac...
    Acts 16:2
    He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra...
    Acts 16:40
    So they went out of the prison and visited Lydi...
    Acts 21:7
    When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we a...
    Acts 21:17
    When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers rec...
    1 John 3:14
    We know that we have passed out of death into l...
    1 John 3:16
    By this we know love, that he laid down his lif...
  40. Cross References
    John 15:27
    And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.
  41. Cross References
    1 John 3:2
    Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
    1 John 3:14
    We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.
    1 John 5:15
    And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
    1 John 5:18 - 20
    We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.
    John 19:35
    He who saw it has borne witness - his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth - that you also may believe.
  42. Cross References
    3 John 1:12
    Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.
  43. Cross References
    John 20:30
    Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book.
  44. Cross References
    Amos 7:10
    Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, "Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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