What does John 21:14 mean?

Explanation

John 21:14 refers to an event recorded in the Gospel of John, where Jesus Christ, after His resurrection, appeared to His disciples.

The verse emphasizes that this was the third time Jesus showed Himself to them after He had risen from the dead.

The significant aspects of this passage are both the literal event of Jesus appearing to His disciples and the deeper implications of these appearances.

Literally, it suggests that Jesus made Himself physically present to the disciples multiple times.

On a deeper level, these appearances served to strengthen the disciples’ faith, assure them of the reality of the resurrection, and commission them for their future ministry.

Historical Context

During the time when the Gospel of John was written (approximately between AD 90-100), the early Christian community faced some doubts and challenges regarding the truth of Jesus' resurrection.

The historical setting was post-crucifixion and after Jesus' burial.

The culture of the time had various beliefs about life after death, and the concept of bodily resurrection was unique to Judaism and nascent Christianity.

By including several instances of post-resurrection appearances, the author of John aimed to provide compelling evidence for the disciples' testimony about Jesus' defeat of death.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse in John serves several purposes.

Firstly, it affirms the physical resurrection of Jesus, showing that He was not merely a spirit but bodily rose from the dead.

Secondly, it indicates the importance of witness, the disciples were firsthand witnesses of these events, lending credence to the claims of the early Church.

Thirdly, from a theological standpoint, the appearances of Jesus post-resurrection validate His teachings and the prophecies regarding the Messiah in Jewish Scripture.

Various Christian denominations interpret this passage slightly differently.

Catholic theology, for instance, may use this verse to emphasize the authority of the apostolic succession, as the disciples who witnessed Jesus' appearances became the leaders of the early Church.

Protestant readings may focus on the personal relationship and faith in Christ that is strengthened by acknowledging these recorded appearances.

Practical Applications

John 21:14 provides Christians with the practical application of faith reassurance. Believers are reminded that the resurrection is central to the Christian faith and that Jesus’ appearances to the disciples serve to strengthen their own faith.

Furthermore, this verse can encourage believers to share their faith with others, given the emphasis on witnessing and testimony. It also invites Christians to seek a deeper spiritual understanding and to recognize Jesus' continuous presence in their lives.

Cross-References

• John 20:19-20: "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you."
• John 20:26-29: "And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you."
• 1 Corinthians 15:5-6: "And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• "Shewed" (φανερόω, phaneroo): This term can mean to make visible, to make clear, or to reveal.

It indicates that Jesus not only appeared but made Himself known to the disciples.

• "Risen" (ἐγείρω, egeiro): This word means to rise or awaken and can refer to a physical raising up.

In this context, it is used specifically to describe Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this account to other ancient myths and religious narratives, the resurrection of a deity is not unique to Christianity.

Many ancient mythologies contain stories of dying and rising gods.

However, what sets the Christian narrative apart is the historical claim that this event occurred once in history and that it was a physical resurrection, not merely a spiritual one, and the belief that this event has implications for the salvation of humanity.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective operates under the understanding that a resurrection is not possible by natural means.

Therefore, from a purely scientific viewpoint, physical resurrection contradicts known biological principles.

However, the event described in John 21:14 is considered by believers to be supernatural or miraculous and thus beyond the scope of scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical commentators have reflected on this verse throughout history. For example:

• Matthew Henry, an 18th-century commentator, suggests that the purpose of this appearance was to confirm the faith of the disciples and furnish them with instructions.
• William Barclay, a 20th-century theologian, emphasizes the importance of these appearances as evidence for the truth of the resurrection story.
• Modern scholars such as N.T.

Wright argue that these accounts of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances are essential to understand the early Christians' belief in the resurrection and its centrality to their mission.