John 21:19

This spake he Now this He spake.

signifying by what death Signifying by what manner of death. This comment is quite in S. John's style (comp. John 12:33; John 18:32) [14]. It will depend on the interpretation of John 21:18 whether we understand this to mean crucifixion or simply martyrdom. That S. Peter was crucified at Rome rests on sufficient evidence, beginning with Tertullian (Scorp. xv.), and that he requested to be crucified head downwards is stated by Eusebius (H. E. iii. i. 2) on the authority of Origen.

he should glorify Literally, he shall glorify.

Follow me Perhaps the literal meaning is not altogether to be excluded; and it appears from S. Peter's -turning about" (John 21:20), that heunderstood the words literally and began to follow. But no doubt this command here, as elsewhere in the Gospels, is to be understood figuratively, the precise shade of meaning being determined by the context. Comp. John 1:43; Matthew 8:22; Matthew 9:9; Matthew 19:21. In the present case there is probably a reference to John 13:36-37; and the -following" includes following to a martyr's death, and possibly the precise death of crucifixion.