Reading for March 30th

 EPILOGUE: TYING UP LOOSE THREADS

In 21.1-25: The conclusion of 20.30-31, differences of language and style in ch 21, and the setting in Galilee lead may scholars to conclude that ch 21 is an appendix, added by followers. It accomplishes several tasks (a) It combines resurrection appearances in Jerusalem (Lk 24.36-49) with an appearance in Galilee (foreshadowed in Mk 14.28; 16.10; Mt 28.10, but described only in Mt 28.16-20). (b) It ties John's Jerusalem orientation to the Galilean orientation of Mark and Matthew. (c) It reinstates Peter after his denial of Jesus and establishes his leadership role without displacing the disciple Jesus loved. 

Read John 21.1-14. Sea of Tiberias, or Galilee, see 6.1. Jesus appears to seven disciples, though only three are named. Simon Peter (see 1.41-42); Thomas ... the Twin (see 11.16; 14.5; 20.24-29); and Nathanael from Cana of Galilee (see 1.45-51). The sons of Zebedee are not otherwise mentioned in John, though the disciple Jesus loved was identified with John the brother of James by Irenaeus (about 180 CE) and on the basis, of 21.7, 20-24, was assumed to be the author of the Gospel. Not Peter, but the disciple Jesus loved, recognizes the Lord (compare 20.8). Peter was naked, perhaps wearing only a loin cloth. He jumps into the sea to get to land quickly. Though Jesus already has bread and fish (see 6.9), he tells them to bring some of the catch. This is not a miracle of multiplication but a miraculous catch of a hundred fifty-three, a large number that they have symbolic meaning, though it is not clear. The sum of the numbers 1 to17 is 153 (17 is the sum of 10 +7, both of which indicate completeness and perfection). The miracle is accentuated by the untorn net. Jesus had presided over an evening meal on the night of his betrayal (13.1-38). Now he presides at a breakfast meal with eucharistic overtones (21.13; see 6.11) Reference to the third resurrection appearances is consistent with 20.19, 26. Comments or Questions..