John 21:20

20 Peter turned, and saw that disciple following, whom Jesus loved, which also rested in the supper on his breast, and said to him, Lord, who is it, that shall betray thee?

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 Truly, truly, I say to thee, when thou were younger, thou girdedest thee, and wanderedest where thou wouldest; but when thou shalt wax older, thou shalt hold forth thine hands, and another shall gird thee, and shall lead thee whither thou wilt not [and lead thee whither thou wilt not].

19 He said this thing, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had said these things, he saith to him, Follow thou me.

20 Peter turned, and saw that disciple following, whom Jesus loved, which also rested in the supper on his breast, and said to him, Lord, who is it, that shall betray thee?

21 Therefore when Peter had seen this disciple, he saith to Jesus, Lord, but what this [Lord, what forsooth this]?

22 Jesus saith to him, So I will that he dwell till I come, what to thee? follow thou me.