John 21:19
This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
By the time John wrote this Gospel, Peter's martyrdom was historical reality, giving this passage poignant retrospective power. Early church tradition records Peter's crucifixion in Rome, likely during Nero's persecution following the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64. Tertullian writes that Peter 'endured a passion like his Lord's' (crucifixion), while Origen adds the detail of Peter's request for inverted crucifixion.
For John's readers facing persecution under Domitian or afterward, this passage provided crucial encouragement: martyrdom glorifies God, Christ foreknows and ordains the manner of our deaths, and following Christ may indeed lead to execution. Yet this is not defeat—it's the highest honor, conformity to Christ's own suffering.
The phrase 'Follow me' in context of Peter's approaching martyrdom gave interpretive framework for all Christian suffering. Jesus doesn't promise safety or prosperity but costly discipleship. The same Lord who called Peter by Galilee's shore calls him to Rome's cross—and the same Lord strengthens for both.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that martyrdom 'glorifies God' transform our view of suffering and persecution from tragedy to purposeful witness?
- What does it mean that Jesus calls us to 'follow Him' knowing this may lead to suffering and death—and what does faithful following look like?
- How should Christ's sovereignty over the manner and timing of our deaths affect our fear of death and our willingness to take risks for the gospel?
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Analysis & Commentary
This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. John's editorial comment explains Jesus's cryptic prophecy: This spake he, signifying by what death (τοῦτο δὲ εἶπεν σημαίνων ποίῳ θανάτῳ/touto de eipen sēmainōn poiō thanatō). The verb signifying (σημαίνων/sēmainōn) means to indicate by signs or symbols—Jesus spoke metaphorically about crucifixion.
The purpose clause is crucial: he should glorify God (δοξάσει τὸν θεόν/doxasei ton theon). Peter's martyrdom would not merely be tragic death but divine glorification. The future tense should glorify prophesies what John's readers knew as historical fact. This transforms martyrdom from defeat to victory—through faithful death, Peter would honor God, demonstrate Christ's power to sustain, and witness to resurrection hope.
Jesus earlier used identical language about His own death: 'The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified' (John 12:23), immediately explaining this meant His death (12:24). Peter's death would mirror Christ's—both glorifying the Father through obedient suffering.
After this sobering prophecy, Jesus issues the simple command: Follow me (ἀκολούθει μοι/akolouthei moi). This echoes Jesus's original call to Peter (Matthew 4:19) but now with fuller understanding. Discipleship means following Jesus not only in life and ministry but through suffering to death. The present imperative Follow (ἀκολούθει/akolouthei) demands continuous, ongoing following—even unto martyrdom.