John 21:8

8 But the other disciples came by boat, for they were not far from the land, but as a two hundred cubits [but as it were two hundred cubits], drawing the net of fishes.

John 21:8 Meaning and Commentary

John 21:8

And the other disciples came in a little ship
The same that they were fishing in, in which they came to Christ as soon as they could, not choosing to expose themselves, as Peter did; nor was it proper that they should leave the ship, and, as it was, might have hands few enough to bring ship and net, so full of fish, safe to shore; and the rather, they did not think fit to do as he did,

for they were not far from land, but, as it were, two hundred
cubits;
which was about an hundred yards:

dragging the net with fishes:
towing the net full of fishes all along in the water, till they came to land; an emblem of laborious Gospel ministers, who being once embarked in the work of the ministry, continue in it to the end, notwithstanding all toil, labour, and difficulties that attend them; and will at last bring the souls with them they have been made useful to, with great satisfaction and joy, to their dear Lord and master.

John 21:8 In-Context

6 He said to them, Put ye [Send ye] the net into the right half of the rowing, and ye shall find. And they putted the net; and then they might not draw it for multitude of fishes [Therefore they sent the net, and now they might not draw it, for multitude of fishes].

7 Therefore that disciple, whom Jesus loved, said to Peter, It is the Lord. Simon Peter, when he had heard that it is the Lord, girt him(self) with a coat, for he was naked, and went into the sea [Simon Peter, when he had heard for it was the Lord, girt him with a coat, soothly he was naked, and sent him into the sea].

8 But the other disciples came by boat, for they were not far from the land, but as a two hundred cubits [but as it were two hundred cubits], drawing the net of fishes.

9 And as they came down into the land, they saw coals lying, and fish laid on [and a fish put thereon], and bread.

10 Jesus saith to them, Bring ye of the fishes, which ye have taken now.