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John 21:22
Verse
Context
Jesus and the Beloved Disciple
21When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”22Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!”23Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. However, Jesus did not say that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you?”
Sermons
Manley Beasley
Stephen Olford
Brother AndrewManley Beasley
William MacDonaldSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If I will that he tarry till I come - There are several opinions concerning this: the following are the principal. 1. Some have concluded from these words that John should never die. Many eminent men, ancients and moderns, have been and are of this opinion. 2. Others thought that our Lord intimated that John should live till Christ came to judge and destroy Jerusalem. On this opinion it is observed that Peter, who was the oldest of the apostles, died in the year 67, which, says Calmet, was six years before the destruction of Jerusalem; and that John survived the ruin of that city about thirty years, he being the only one of the twelve who was alive when the above desolation took place. 3. St. Augustin, Bede, and others, understood the passage thus: If I will that he remain till I come and take him away by a natural death, what is that to thee? follow thou me to thy crucifixion. On this it may be observed, that all antiquity agrees that John, if he did die, was the only disciple who was taken away by a natural death. 4. Others imagine that our Lord was only now taking Peter aside to speak something to him in private, and that Peter, seeing John following, wished to know whether he should come along with them; and that our Lord's answer stated that John should remain in that place till Christ and Peter returned to him; and to this meaning of the passage many eminent critics incline. For neatly eighteen hundred years, the greatest men in the world have been puzzled with this passage. It mould appear intolerable in me to attempt to decide, where so many eminent doctors have disagreed, and do still disagree. I rather lean to the fourth opinion. See the conclusion of the Preface to this Gospel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jesus saith to him, If I will that he tarry fill I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me--From the fact that John alone of the Twelve survived the destruction of Jerusalem, and so witnessed the commencement of that series of events which belongs to "the last days," many good interpreters think that this is a virtual prediction of fact, and not a mere supposition. But this is very doubtful, and it seems more natural to consider our Lord as intending to give no positive indication of John's fate at all, but to signify that this was a matter which belonged to the Master of both, who would disclose or conceal it as He thought proper, and that Peter's part was to mind his own affairs. Accordingly, in "follow thou Me," the word "thou" is emphatic. Observe the absolute disposal of human life which Christ claims: "If I will that he tarry till I come," &c.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Jesus saith unto him,.... Christ vouchsafes an answer to Peter, but not a very clear one, nor such an one as he wished for, and not without a rebuke to him: if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? meaning, that if it was his pleasure that he should live, not till his second coming to judge the quick and dead at the last day, but till he should come in his power and take vengeance on the Jewish nation, in the destruction of their city and temple by the Romans, and in dispersing them through the nations of the world; till which time John did live, and many years after; and was the only one of the disciples that lived till that time, and who did not die a violent death; what was that to Peter? it was no concern of his. The question was too curious, improper, and impertinent; it became him to attend only to what concerned himself, and he was bid to do: follow thou me; whence it may be observed, that it becomes the saints to mind their duty in following Christ, and not concern themselves in things that do not belong to them. Christ is to be followed by his people as their leader and commander; as the shepherd of the flock; as a guide in the way, and the forerunner that is gone before; as the light of the world; as the pattern and example of the saints, and as their Lord and master; and that in the exercise of every grace, as humility and meekness, love, zeal, patience, and resignation to the will of God; and also in the discharge of duty, both with respect to moral life and conversation, and instituted worship, as attendance on public service, and submission to ordinances; and likewise in enduring sufferings patiently and cheerfully for his sake. Saints are under obligation to follow Christ; it is their interest so to do; it is honourable, safe, comfortable, and pleasant, and ends in happiness here and hereafter.
John 21:22
Jesus and the Beloved Disciple
21When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”22Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!”23Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. However, Jesus did not say that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you?”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Becoming What You Are
By Manley Beasley2.2K28:46Self-ImagePSA 139:16JHN 19:28JHN 21:22ROM 8:281CO 1:2EPH 2:10PHP 2:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of facing the issue of victory in our lives. He refers to Psalms 139:16, which speaks about God knowing and writing the days of our lives before they even come to be. The preacher also mentions Ephesians 2:10, highlighting the need to experience this truth. He then connects these verses to the crucifixion of Jesus, specifically John 19:28-30, where Jesus declares "it is finished" before giving up his life. The preacher encourages listeners to recognize themselves as overcomers and to live a life of submission to God's will.
The Cost to Leadership
By Stephen Olford1.9K46:01LeadershipMAT 6:33JHN 21:221TI 4:132TI 4:22TI 4:5HEB 13:7HEB 13:17In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of leadership and the qualities that mark a true leader. He emphasizes the importance of character, conduct, and commitment in leadership. The preacher also highlights the need for leaders to have a genuine love and loyalty to Christ as Lord. He uses the example of Peter's denial and Jesus' questioning to illustrate the significance of love as a motivation for leadership. The sermon concludes with a reminder to remain faithful and obedient to Christ's call to leadership.
The Lordship of Christ
By Brother Andrew1.7K1:04:50LordshipMAT 6:33JHN 21:3JHN 21:12JHN 21:22ACT 1:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dilemma faced by the disciples after Jesus' resurrection. They were young and eager to fulfill their commission, but they lacked direction and power. Peter, in particular, was feeling discouraged and decided to go fishing. However, Jesus appeared to them and reminded them of their purpose. Despite their doubts and challenges, the disciples were called to follow Jesus and preach the gospel, even if it meant facing persecution and death.
Come and Dine
By Manley Beasley1.4K48:36EvangelismMAT 6:33JHN 21:12JHN 21:15JHN 21:22In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for a four-week break from meetings and the opportunity to work in the office. They thank their friends for their prayers and financial support. The speaker reflects on the blessings of the past year, with all bills paid and God's marvelous blessings. However, they also express concern about their own procrastination and failure to fully obey and follow God's will. The sermon then shifts to a discussion of Romans 9, where the apostle Paul's nature is transformed by the Holy Spirit, leading him to have a deep sorrow and willingness to sacrifice for others, even to the point of giving up his heavenly home.
Some Things I Have Learnt in 50 Years Part 3
By Zac Poonen1.3K46:17LUK 16:15JHN 7:30JHN 21:22EPH 2:101PE 3:13
This sermon shares personal testimonies and truths learned in 50 years of being a believer. It emphasizes the importance of knowing God's truth, living a life of freedom, and understanding God's perfect plan for each individual's life. The speaker highlights the need to trust God's protection, believe in His power to turn evil into good, and seek to know God intimately to find strength and fulfill His unique purpose.
The Fine Art of Getting Along
By William MacDonald1.2K47:13Long SufferingPRO 18:17MAT 18:15JHN 21:22ROM 12:1GAL 6:1EPH 4:29JAS 1:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of involving everyone in conversations and drawing them out from the sidelines. He uses the example of Jesus always having time for children and ministering to them. The speaker also discusses the importance of being a good listener and learning from others. He shares his frustration with people who talk about trivial matters instead of focusing on spiritual help. The sermon concludes with the reminder to keep our focus on following Jesus and not getting caught up in judging others or minding their business.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
When God Writes Your Story
By Stewart Ruch12627:34Christian LifeRUT 1:16RUT 2:12RUT 4:13MAT 6:33MAT 16:24MAT 23:37JHN 21:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of small and how every person's life is small until it becomes significant through Jesus. He uses the story of Ruth as an example of how submitting our lives to God's story can give us a meaningful and profound significance. The preacher also shares a real-life story of a pilot who had a miraculous experience when his parachute got tangled in a tree, saving him from certain death. Through this experience, the pilot witnesses the power of God and becomes a follower of Jesus, eventually becoming a missionary pilot in Colombia.
The Captivity of the Righteous Part 5
By Phil Beach Jr.301:14:39True DiscipleshipChristian LifeDevotion to GodISA 53:1MAT 6:33MAT 11:28MAT 22:37LUK 14:26JHN 12:43JHN 21:22ACT 4:32PHP 3:191PE 3:3Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of finding true satisfaction and peace in God rather than in worldly concerns, particularly for young people who often fret about their future. He encourages them to devote their hearts fully to God, assuring that if they seek Him first, everything else will fall into place. The sermon highlights the need to prioritize following Jesus over seeking the approval of others, as true discipleship requires a willingness to lay aside personal ambitions and societal pressures. Beach also addresses the dangers of being captivated by health, wealth, and family, urging believers to seek freedom from these distractions to fully embrace their relationship with Christ.
On Following Christ
By Charles Finney0Following ChristObedience to GodMAT 16:24LUK 9:62JHN 21:22HEB 12:1Charles Finney emphasizes the call of Jesus to follow Him, as illustrated in John 21:22, where Jesus instructs Peter to focus on his own path rather than concern himself with others. Finney highlights the importance of immediate obedience to Christ's command, urging believers to resist the temptation to compare their journey with others and to commit fully to following Jesus. He stresses that following Christ involves a personal decision to trust Him, obey His will, and prioritize spiritual duties over worldly concerns. The sermon encourages listeners to recognize their responsibility to follow Christ for their own spiritual well-being and the influence they can have on others. Ultimately, Finney calls for a decisive commitment to follow Jesus, regardless of the sacrifices it may entail.
A Look at Communion
By J.C. Ryle0The Lord's SupperSelf-ExaminationMAT 13:30MAT 13:38LUK 22:19JHN 21:22ACT 17:30ROM 3:261CO 11:25HEB 13:10J.C. Ryle emphasizes the significance of the Lord's Supper, urging believers to examine themselves before partaking in this sacred ordinance. He addresses common misconceptions and the importance of understanding the true purpose of communion, which is to remember Christ's sacrifice. Ryle highlights that the Lord's Supper is not a means of justification or conversion, but rather a means to strengthen faith and deepen repentance. He warns against the dangers of neglecting this ordinance and encourages believers to approach it with reverence and understanding. Ultimately, Ryle calls for a return to the biblical truth surrounding communion to foster unity and spiritual growth among Christians.
Avoiding Curious Inquiry About the Lives of Others
By Thomas a Kempis0PSA 139:1PRO 3:5JHN 21:22JAS 4:101PE 5:6Thomas a Kempis preaches about the importance of focusing on following Christ rather than being curious about others or seeking the approval of men. He emphasizes the need to commit all things to God, trusting Him to know and handle all matters. Kempis encourages humility, prayerfulness, and openness to God's word and secrets.
Groping for God Upon Less-Than-Green Grounds
By Bryan Anthony0PSA 27:8PRO 3:5JHN 21:22ACT 17:26ROM 8:28Bryan Anthony preaches about God's intentional placement of His children in specific times and boundaries, emphasizing the importance of seeking and groping for Him in the midst of life's transitions and trials. He highlights that God's reality often opposes our idealistic wish-dreams, urging believers to focus on seeking God rather than longing for greener pastures or worldly accomplishments. Anthony encourages the congregation to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, reminding them that He is always near and at work in their lives, even in seasons of silence and turmoil.
"John Your Brother - the Author and His Message"
By Charles Alexander0JHN 1:14JHN 6:63JHN 21:22REV 1:9REV 1:11Charles D. Alexander delves into the spiritual exposition of John's Gospel, emphasizing the significance of knowing the author and his message. John, the beloved apostle, uniquely reveals the soul of Christ, focusing on His majesty to inspire reverence in the hearts of believers. Despite being misunderstood, John's writings, especially the Book of Revelation, hold great relevance for the Church throughout history, portraying his special relationship with the Church and his prophetic insights into its future trials and triumphs.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If I will that he tarry till I come - There are several opinions concerning this: the following are the principal. 1. Some have concluded from these words that John should never die. Many eminent men, ancients and moderns, have been and are of this opinion. 2. Others thought that our Lord intimated that John should live till Christ came to judge and destroy Jerusalem. On this opinion it is observed that Peter, who was the oldest of the apostles, died in the year 67, which, says Calmet, was six years before the destruction of Jerusalem; and that John survived the ruin of that city about thirty years, he being the only one of the twelve who was alive when the above desolation took place. 3. St. Augustin, Bede, and others, understood the passage thus: If I will that he remain till I come and take him away by a natural death, what is that to thee? follow thou me to thy crucifixion. On this it may be observed, that all antiquity agrees that John, if he did die, was the only disciple who was taken away by a natural death. 4. Others imagine that our Lord was only now taking Peter aside to speak something to him in private, and that Peter, seeing John following, wished to know whether he should come along with them; and that our Lord's answer stated that John should remain in that place till Christ and Peter returned to him; and to this meaning of the passage many eminent critics incline. For neatly eighteen hundred years, the greatest men in the world have been puzzled with this passage. It mould appear intolerable in me to attempt to decide, where so many eminent doctors have disagreed, and do still disagree. I rather lean to the fourth opinion. See the conclusion of the Preface to this Gospel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jesus saith to him, If I will that he tarry fill I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me--From the fact that John alone of the Twelve survived the destruction of Jerusalem, and so witnessed the commencement of that series of events which belongs to "the last days," many good interpreters think that this is a virtual prediction of fact, and not a mere supposition. But this is very doubtful, and it seems more natural to consider our Lord as intending to give no positive indication of John's fate at all, but to signify that this was a matter which belonged to the Master of both, who would disclose or conceal it as He thought proper, and that Peter's part was to mind his own affairs. Accordingly, in "follow thou Me," the word "thou" is emphatic. Observe the absolute disposal of human life which Christ claims: "If I will that he tarry till I come," &c.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Jesus saith unto him,.... Christ vouchsafes an answer to Peter, but not a very clear one, nor such an one as he wished for, and not without a rebuke to him: if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? meaning, that if it was his pleasure that he should live, not till his second coming to judge the quick and dead at the last day, but till he should come in his power and take vengeance on the Jewish nation, in the destruction of their city and temple by the Romans, and in dispersing them through the nations of the world; till which time John did live, and many years after; and was the only one of the disciples that lived till that time, and who did not die a violent death; what was that to Peter? it was no concern of his. The question was too curious, improper, and impertinent; it became him to attend only to what concerned himself, and he was bid to do: follow thou me; whence it may be observed, that it becomes the saints to mind their duty in following Christ, and not concern themselves in things that do not belong to them. Christ is to be followed by his people as their leader and commander; as the shepherd of the flock; as a guide in the way, and the forerunner that is gone before; as the light of the world; as the pattern and example of the saints, and as their Lord and master; and that in the exercise of every grace, as humility and meekness, love, zeal, patience, and resignation to the will of God; and also in the discharge of duty, both with respect to moral life and conversation, and instituted worship, as attendance on public service, and submission to ordinances; and likewise in enduring sufferings patiently and cheerfully for his sake. Saints are under obligation to follow Christ; it is their interest so to do; it is honourable, safe, comfortable, and pleasant, and ends in happiness here and hereafter.