Peter seeing him, saith to Jesus
Peter took a great deal of notice of John, and very likely
understood, that he meant by his rising up and following Christ,
to signify his readiness for service and suffering in the cause
of Christ: and therefore says,
Lord, and what shall this man do?
The phrase in the original is very short and concise, "Lord, and
this what?" The Arabic version renders it, "and this, of what
mind is he?" it looks as if he was of the same mind with me to
follow thee; but it is better rendered by us, "what shall this
man do?" in what work and service shall he be employed, who seems
as willing as I am to serve thee? or it may be rendered thus,
"and what shall this man suffer?" shall he suffer at all? and if
he shall, what kind of death shall he undergo? what will become
of him? what will be his end? how will it fare with him? this he
said, partly out of curiosity, and partly out of concern for him,
they two being associates and intimates, who had a strong
affection for each other.