21.— [Peter seeing. ..Lord...w7iat... this man do^ Tlie Greek words of Peter's question would be literally rendered, " Lord : and this man what?" The precise meaning and object of the question are a point which has been much disputed.
{a) Some think that the question was entirely one of broth- erly love, interest, and affection. They regard the inquiry as one which arose from Peter's tender feeling toward John, as the disciple whom he loved most among the Apostles. He would fain know what was to be the future lot of his beloved friend and brother.
(6) Some think that the question was one of unseemly curi- osity. They regard it as one which Peter ought not to have asked. If our Lord did not volunteer any prediction about John, Peter ought not to have made any inquiry.
(c) Some think, as Flacius, that there was a latent jealousy in Peter's question, and that he seemed to suspect that John, not having denied Christ, would die an easier death than him- self I I cannot think this for a moment.
My own belief is that there is truth in both the two first views. Our Lord's reply to Peter, recorded in the next verse, certainly indicates to my mind that Peter ought not to have been so forward to ask. On the other hand, I should be sorry to say that Peter's inquiry arose entirely out of curiosity, when I mark Peter's unvarying connection with John on all occa- sions, and evident brotherly love towards him. In feeling con- cern about John's future, after hearing about his own, Peter was not to blame. Grace does not require us to be cold and unfeeling about our friends. But in the manner of Peter's inquiry there certainly seems to have been something to blame. Is there not about it a little touch of the old over-readiness to talk of others ? It was once, " Though all men, — all others, — forsake Thee yet will not I." It is now, "If I am to die a vio- lent death, what are others to do ? "
It is certainly my own impression that Peter's question had special reference to John's end : " If I am to die a violent death, what is to be the end of my brother John ? "
Leighton, quoted by Burgon, remarks, " This was a transient stumbling in one who, but lately recovered of a great disease, did not walk firmly. But it is the common track of most, to wear out" their days with impertinent inquiries. There is a natural desire in men to know the things of others, and neglect their own ; and to be more concerned about things to come than things present."
Henry remarks, " Peter seems more concerned for another than for himself. So apt are we to be busy in other men's mat- ters, but negligent in the concerns of our own souls, — quick- sighted abroad, but dim-sighted at home, — judging others, and prognosticating what they will do, when we have enoagh to do
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