John 21:8 — Community Reflections

JOHN 21:8 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.”

But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, just a hundred yards off — the other disciples row slowly, securing the catch (a practice-oriented approach), while Peter swims. The specificity ('a hundred yards') indicates eyewitness detail and emphasizes proximity—the risen Jesus is near the disciples even before they recognize him. The image of disciples laboriously bringing the netful of fish suggests the missional work they will undertake.

Church Fathers on John 21:8

The preceding words of the Evangelist seem to indicate the end of the book, but He goes on farther to give an account of our Lord’s appearance by the sea of Tiberias: After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias.
Augustine · 4th century

He says, Afterwards, because He did not go continually with His disciples as before; and, manifested Himself, because His body being incorruptible, it was a condescension to allow Himself to be seen. He mentions the place, to show that our Lord had taken away a good deal of their fear, and that they no longer kept within doors, though they had gone to Galilee to avoid the persecution of the Jews.
Chrysostom · 4th century

The Evangelist, after his wont, first states the thing itself, and then says how it took place: And on this wise showed He Himself.
Bede · 8th century

Read all 26 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

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