Peter's Question to Jesus in John 6
Peter's Question to Jesus in John 6
The passage at issue is not actually John 6, but John 21:21, where Peter asks Jesus about the fate of "this man," referring to John. The verse reads: "Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, 'Lord, and what about this man?'" (LITV) [1]. This query follows Jesus' prediction of Peter's martyrdom (John 21:18-19).
Literary Context
The conversation takes place after Jesus' resurrection, during a post-resurrection appearance by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus has just commanded Peter to "follow me" (John 21:19, 22), prompting Peter's inquiry about John's fate. The larger context is Jesus' restoration of Peter after his threefold denial during the Passion (John 18:15-18, 25-27) [4].
Historical Setting
The historical setting is post-resurrection Galilee, likely around 30 AD. The conversation is between Jesus and Peter, with John (the "disciple whom Jesus loved") being the subject of their discussion [1].
Key Terms
The key term here is the phrase "what about this man?" (Greek: οὗτος δὲ τί;). The question reflects Peter's curiosity about the fate of John relative to his own [2].
Major Exegetical Decisions
One major decision is how to interpret Jesus' response to Peter: "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" (John 21:22). Some see this as Jesus deflecting Peter's question, emphasizing that Peter's focus should be on following Jesus rather than speculating about others' fates [5].
Range of Interpretations
Interpreters have offered various explanations for Peter's question. Some see it as a sign of Peter's comparative or competitive spirit, while others understand it as a genuine inquiry about John's fate. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown suggest that Peter is asking "What shall this man do?" or "How shall it fare with him?" [2]. John Gill interprets Peter's earlier statement (John 13:37) as a declaration of his readiness to follow Jesus, even to death, which may provide context for Peter's concern about John's fate [3].
Function in Tradition
This passage has not been a central text in major creeds or liturgies, but it has been discussed in various commentaries. The exchange highlights Jesus' emphasis on individual discipleship and responsibility, rather than comparative speculation about others' paths.
The passage also underscores the theme of following Jesus, which is a central aspect of Johannine discipleship. As Tyndale House notes, "What matters most for the disciple of Jesus is to follow him and do his will, come what may" [5]. This focus on discipleship is characteristic of the Gospel of John.
Sources
- John “John 21:21 (LITV) — Seeing him, Peter said to Jesus, Lord, and what of this one?”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 21:21: Peter . . . saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?--What of this man? or, How shall it fare with him?”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 13:37: Peter said unto him,.... Not understanding Christ's answer, and being dissatisfied with it, inquires: Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? is the place inaccessible? are the difficulties in the way to it insuperable? the roughness of the road, or the dangers of it, will not discourage me; I am ready to go through the greatest dangers and difficulties, to follow thee: yea, I will lay down my life for thy sake; whatever enemies I should meet with in, following thee, would not dismay me; I would readily hazard my life, and cheerfully lay it down in defence of thee.”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 21:15: 21:15-17 do you love me? The three questions and affirmations mirror Peter’s three denials (18:15-18, 25-27). Jesus invited Peter to reaffirm everything he had denied. • The Greek term translated love in Jesus’ first two questions (agapaō) is different from the word in his third question (phileō). In each case, Peter answered with the second word (phileō). Most Greek scholars view the two words as synonyms in this situation. The focus of Jesus’ exchange with Peter was not the quality of Peter’s love, but Peter’s commission to take care of Jesus’ flock. Peter might ”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 21:20: 21:20-22 “What about him, Lord?” Peter asked Jesus about the fate of John, wondering if he, too, would experience martyrdom. Jesus’ answer was abrupt: It was not Peter’s business to know how or when John would die. Peter’s only task was to follow Jesus, which John was already doing. This episode forms the core of John’s concept of discipleship: What matters most for the disciple of Jesus is to follow him and do his will, come what may.”