John 21:20 - Then Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus’ breast at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is going to betray You?”
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What does "John 21:20" mean?
This verse from John 21:20 is significant for a few key reasons:
Identification of the Beloved Disciple: It reinforces the identification of the "disciple whom Jesus loved." Traditionally, this disciple is understood to be John, the author of the Gospel of John. The phrase "the disciple whom Jesus loved" is a unique characteristic of this Gospel, and it's used to describe a particularly close relationship with Jesus.
Confirmation and Continuity: It connects the scene in John 21:20 with an earlier event, the Last Supper (John 13:21-26). By recalling the detail of the disciple leaning on Jesus' breast and asking about the betrayal, it provides further evidence that the same disciple is being referred to. This creates a sense of continuity and consistency within the narrative of the Gospel of John.
Relationship with Peter: The verse introduces a comparison or potential rivalry between Peter and the Beloved Disciple. Peter turns and sees the Beloved Disciple following. The subsequent verses (John 21:21-23) show Peter inquiring about the Beloved Disciple's fate, suggesting a concern or perhaps even a competitive feeling. This highlights the different relationships that Jesus had with his disciples and perhaps hints at their individual roles in the early church.
Hints at the Author's Perspective: Some scholars believe that the repeated use of "the disciple whom Jesus loved" is a way for the author (traditionally John) to refer to himself in a modest or indirect manner. This would explain the self-referential nature of the description.
In essence, John 21:20 serves to:
Identify the "Beloved Disciple" as someone who was close to Jesus and possibly the author of the Gospel.
Highlight the unique relationship between Jesus and this disciple.
Contrast the roles and destinies of Peter and the Beloved Disciple.
Potentially offer a glimpse into the author's perspective and self-identification.
John 21:20 - Then Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus’ breast at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is going to betray You?”
What does "John 21:20" mean?
This verse from John 21:20 is significant for a few key reasons:
Identification of the Beloved Disciple: It reinforces the identification of the "disciple whom Jesus loved." Traditionally, this disciple is understood to be John, the author of the Gospel of John. The phrase "the disciple whom Jesus loved" is a unique characteristic of this Gospel, and it's used to describe a particularly close relationship with Jesus.
Confirmation and Continuity: It connects the scene in John 21:20 with an earlier event, the Last Supper (John 13:21-26). By recalling the detail of the disciple leaning on Jesus' breast and asking about the betrayal, it provides further evidence that the same disciple is being referred to. This creates a sense of continuity and consistency within the narrative of the Gospel of John.
Relationship with Peter: The verse introduces a comparison or potential rivalry between Peter and the Beloved Disciple. Peter turns and sees the Beloved Disciple following. The subsequent verses (John 21:21-23) show Peter inquiring about the Beloved Disciple's fate, suggesting a concern or perhaps even a competitive feeling. This highlights the different relationships that Jesus had with his disciples and perhaps hints at their individual roles in the early church.
Hints at the Author's Perspective: Some scholars believe that the repeated use of "the disciple whom Jesus loved" is a way for the author (traditionally John) to refer to himself in a modest or indirect manner. This would explain the self-referential nature of the description.
In essence, John 21:20 serves to:
Identify the "Beloved Disciple" as someone who was close to Jesus and possibly the author of the Gospel.
Highlight the unique relationship between Jesus and this disciple.
Contrast the roles and destinies of Peter and the Beloved Disciple.
Potentially offer a glimpse into the author's perspective and self-identification.