FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO Joh_21:1-25
A. There has been much discussion about chapter 21 being an addition because the Gospel seems to end in Joh_20:31. However, there is no Greek manuscript that omits chapter 21.
B. Joh_21:25 is often thought to be a later addition because in some manuscripts Joh_7:53 to Joh_8:11 is inserted after Joh_21:24. Also, in the ancient manuscript Sinaiticus, the scribe originally omitted Joh_21:25 and had to go back and erase an ornamental Colophon in order to insert it.
C. Though not an integral part of the Gospel of John, chapter 21 was certainly from the hand of the Apostle. It answers two questions of the early church:
1. was Peter re-instated?
2. what about the legend concerning John's longevity?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. How is John 21 similar to Luke 5?
2. Why did the disciples not immediately recognize Jesus?
3. Who is the disciple whom Jesus loved?
4. Why did Jesus ask Peter three times concerning his love for Him?
5. Did Jesus assert that John would live until He came again?