John 21:16

John 21:16. He saith to him again a second time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? The same verb (‘lovest') which had been used by our Lord in His first question again occurs here, and the question only differs from the first in the gracious omission of the words more than these. Jesus had appreciated the motive which had led peter in his previous reply to avoid all comparison between his own love to Jesus and that of others. He accepts the evidence of humility afforded by His apostle, and in that direction at least will no longer test him.

He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. Peter's reply is in exactly the same tetras as before; the word ‘I love' being that which he had previously used, and not that used by Jesus.

He saith unto him, Be shepherd of my sheep. See on next verse.