Notes. John xxi. 15—17.
15. — [8o when they had dined.'] In the verses we now begin, we pass away from the region of allegory, parable, symbol, mira- cle, and vision, to a plain, unmistakable conversation between our Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostle Peter. It is a conver- sation of a deeply interesting character, of which every letter deserves to be written in gold. He that supposes that any " John," except John the Apostle, could have written these three verses, gives little evidence of possessing a sound judg- ment.
It is noteworthy that our Lord does not begin His conversa. tion till the social meal was over. Trifling as this circumstance may seem, it deserves attention, and conveys a lesson. Noth- ing was so likely to set the Apostles at ease with their Master, and to prepare them to receive any word that fell from His lips with love and affection, as to deal familiarly and intimately with them, and let them " eat and drink " in His company.
[Jesus saith to Simon Peter.'] The object of our liord in ad- dressing Simon Peter in these verses should be carefully re- membered, and not misunderstood. That there was a distinct object in singling him out from the seven disciples sitting round our Lord, and specially speaking to him, I cannot doubt. But what was that object? This question can only be answered by considering the peculiar character of St. Peter, and the peculiar circumstances of his history during the last day of our Lord's ministry, before the crucifixion. None had made so high a profession. None had spoken so confidently of his own strength. None had shown such instability in the hour of trial. None had fallen so sadly, by denying his Master three times. Remembering all this, X believe that our Lord had a special object in addressing Peter on this occasion ; and I see a special wisdom in the address and conversation being recorded, as taking place before six witnesses.
(a) I believe our Lord's first object was to remind Peter of his Bad fall, through over-confidence, and want of watchfulness and prayer. He would have him know that, though raised, pardoned and forgiven, he must never forget what had hap- pened. Three times he had denied his Master. Three times he must be publicly asked whether he loved his Master. Hengstenberg maintains that Peter's fall was not at all in our Lord's mind in this remarkable convers'ation. But I cannot agree with him.
(6) I believe our Lord's second object was, as Cyril remarks, to restore Peter to his former position as a trusted Apostle and minister in the presence of six witnesses. The thought might possibly come across the minds of some Christians, in future days, that Peter forfeited his claim to be an Apostle and leader