John 21:1

The Manifestation to the Seven and the Miraculous Draught of Fishes

1. After these things This vague expression (see on John 5:1; John 6:1; John 19:38) suits an afterthought which has no direct connexion with what immediately precedes.

shewed himself Better, manifested Himself. The rendering of this verb (phaneroun), which is one of S. John's favourite words [1], should be kept uniform, especially here, John 2:11; John 7:4; John 17:6, where the active voice is used. Comp. John 1:31; John 3:21; John 9:3; John 21:14; 1 John 1:2; 1 John 2:19; 1 John 2:28; 1 John 3:2; 1 John 3:5; 1 John 3:8; 1 John 4:9. In the other Gospels the word occurs only Mark 4:22; [John 16:12; John 16:14], in all cases in the passive form.

again This (as John 21:14 shews) points back to the manifestation to S. Thomas and the rest (John 20:26).

sea of Tiberias See on John 6:1. S. John alone uses this name [2]. The return of the disciples from Jerusalem to Galilee is commanded Matthew 28:7; Mark 16:7. They returned to Jerusalem soon, and remained there from the Ascension to Pentecost (Acts 1:4). S. Matthew notices only the appearances in Galilee, S. Luke [and S. Mark] only those in Jerusalem. S. John gives some of both groups.

on this wise shewed he Better, He manifested on this wise. This repetition is S. John's style [3].