Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

From Peter's standpoint, I have always interpreted his comment in John 21:3 merely as an intention on his part to engage in activity with which he was familiar as a means of not only renewing himself after the momentous events of the preceding days, but also of having time to process and meditate on the implications of the fact of Jesus' resurrection, and of His new resurrected nature and status for what God now expected the apostles to do in order to carry on the will of God and the purpose for which Jesus had called them. 

I think that this would have been especially crucial for Peter, because he would doubtless still have been thinking about his three denials of knowing Jesus (despite Jesus' explicit prediction after the Last Supper of Peter's coming denials, and Peter's sincere but pride-filled response that he would die before denying Jesus, with which all the other apostles (except Judas, who was by then not present) had agreed (Matthew 26:35)).

And, of course, as it turned out, the risen Jesus met the apostles anyway, after they had fished all night but not caught anything. His subsequent conversation with Peter, in which Peter was grieved still further by Jesus asking him three times (once for each of Peter's denials) if Peter loved Him, was a key part of Peter's healing in preparation for assuming the role that Peter would play as the most prominent of the apostles in the establishment of the early Church following Jesus' ascension.

So, even without realizing it, Peter's desire to go fishing had been part of God's will for that very purpose, just as God can use casual decisions that we make or circumstances that we encounter to prepare us to carry out His ultimate will.

January 28 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the significance of Peter's statement: "I go fishing" in John 21:3?

What was Jesus asking when he said these words, "Do you love me more than these?" (meaning such as the fish or fishing).

This possibility fits the way the question is phrased in Greek, for Peter was being asked to choose between two things (between Jesus and "these"). Such a question would also be appropriate given Peter's past. He had been one of the first disciples to follow Jesus. (John 1:35-42) Apparently, though, Peter did not immediately follow Jesus full-time. Rather, he returned to his fishing. Some months later, Jesus called Peter away from that substantial business to become a 'fisher of men.' (Matthew 4:18-20; Luke 5:1-11) 

Nonetheless, after Jesus' death, Peter initiated a return to this career, telling some of the disciples, "I am going fishing."​—John 21:2, 3.

Peter's statement, "I go fishing" (John 21:3), signifies a return to his old life amidst post-resurrection confusion, reflecting disillusionment and a search for familiar comfort after denying Jesus. Still, it ultimately sets the stage for Jesus' restoration of Peter, highlighting themes of human failure, divine grace, and being called to become "fishers of men". 

Peter's declaration marks a low point of doubt and retreat. Still, it becomes the setting for Jesus to demonstrate His enduring love and to call Peter to embrace his greater ministry destiny. 

Significance of the Statement:

1: Return to the Familiar: Peter, likely feeling lost and unworthy after denying Jesus, reverted to his former profession, seeking solace in the known world of fishing.

2: Spiritual Disorientation: It shows the disciples' uncertainty and confusion about their future and purpose after Jesus' crucifixion, even with the resurrection happening.

3: Human Weakness & Need for Restoration: This moment underscores human fallibility and the need for Jesus to personally restore Peter, culminating in the "Do you love me?" dialogue that addresses his three denials.

4: Futility Without Christ: Their fruitless night of fishing emphasises that human efforts, even in familiar tasks, are empty without Jesus' presence and guidance.

5: Divine Purpose & Second Chances: Jesus appears, orchestrates a miraculous catch, and reinstates Peter, showing that God offers new opportunities and greater purpose (becoming "fishers of men"). 

6: Identity Crisis: Distraught and perhaps feeling disqualified from ministry due to his failure, Peter reverts to the one thing he knows best—commercial fishing—to regain a sense of competence and normalcy.

7: Peter was chucking his call to ministry and permanently returning to his old way of life. In this disciple's brief announcement, there was disillusionment, exasperation, and a hint of desperation. Behind his statement lay the powerful desire to be a simple fisherman again.

7 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report