John 21:20

Jesus and the disciple whom he loved

20 Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. This was the one who had leaned against Jesus at the meal and asked him, "Lord, who is going to betray you?"

John 21:20 Meaning and Commentary

John 21:20

Then Peter turning about
After he was risen, and was following Christ:

seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following
also; by whom is designed John the Evangelist, and writer of this Gospel; who hearing Christ bid Peter follow him, rose up likewise, and went after him, in token of his willingness to serve him, and suffer for him too:

which also leaned on his breast at supper;
at the "paschal supper", as the Persic version here reads it: "and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?" This disciple had a peculiar share in the love of Christ, as man, and was admitted to great nearness and freedom with him, signified by his leaning on his breast; and who being so near his person, and allowed to use a liberty with him, everyone did not take, at the motion of Peter, asked our Lord at supper, who the person was he meant that should betray him; all this is said as descriptive of the disciple here spoken of, which leaves it without any doubt, that it was the Apostle John; and who, from ( John 21:2 ) appears to be one of this company, and is further confirmed at ( John 21:24 ) .

John 21:20 In-Context

18 I assure you that when you were younger you tied your own belt and walked around wherever you wanted. When you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and another will tie your belt and lead you where you don't want to go."

19 He said this to show the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. After saying this, Jesus said to Peter, "Follow me."

20 Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. This was the one who had leaned against Jesus at the meal and asked him, "Lord, who is going to betray you?"

21 When Peter saw this disciple, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?"

22 Jesus replied, "If I want him to remain until I come, what difference does that make to you? You must follow me."