John 21:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 21:22
22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
Chapter Context
John 21 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, obedience, discipleship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 21:22
22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
Analysis
Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Christ's response firmly redirects Peter from comparison to personal obedience. The conditional clause If I will that he tarry till I come (ἐὰν αὐτὸν θέλω μένειν ἕως ἔρχομαι/ean auton thelō menein heōs erchomai) establishes divine sovereignty—the phrase I will (θέλω/thelō) emphasizes Christ's sovereign choice. The verb tarry (μένειν/menein) means to remain, abide, continue living.
The phrase till I come (ἕως ἔρχομαι/heōs erchomai) likely refers to Christ's second coming, though it could mean 'until I come in judgment on Jerusalem' (AD 70) or simply 'as long as I choose.' The ambiguity is intentional—Jesus refuses to satisfy Peter's curiosity, instead asserting His sovereign right to determine each disciple's path.
The rhetorical question what is that to thee? (τί πρὸς σέ;/ti pros se?)—literally 'what to you?'—is sharp rebuke. Jesus essentially says: 'My plans for John are none of your concern.' This isn't harsh but necessary correction. Peter's calling is to follow Christ, not monitor other disciples' assignments or compare suffering.
The command follow thou me (σύ μοι ἀκολούθει/sy moi akolouthei) repeats verse 19's imperative but now with emphatic pronoun thou (σύ/sy)—'You! You follow me!' The emphasis individualizes the call: Peter must focus on his own obedience, not John's destiny. The present imperative demands continuous action—keep following, regardless of what happens to others.
Historical Context
Jesus's words 'If I will that he tarry till I come' sparked misunderstanding, as verse 23 immediately clarifies. Some believers interpreted this as Jesus promising John wouldn't die before the Second Coming. This misunderstanding may have caused confusion when John grew very old—was Christ delayed? John's editorial clarification in verse 23 corrects this: Jesus didn't promise John wouldn't die, only hypothetically stated His sovereign right to determine John's lifespan.
Church tradition records John as the only apostle to die of natural causes, living to extreme old age in Ephesus (some traditions claim he lived past age 90). He outlived Peter by 25-30 years, surviving persecution under multiple emperors, and was reportedly the last surviving eyewitness of Jesus's ministry. Yet his long life didn't mean easier calling—tradition records John's exile to Patmos (Revelation 1:9) and various persecutions.
For early Christians facing persecution, Christ's words taught crucial lessons: God assigns different paths to different servants; we must not compare our suffering with others'; our calling is personal obedience to Christ's specific word to us; divine sovereignty determines the length and manner of our service. These principles countered both jealousy (Why does he suffer less?) and pride (I'm suffering more than others).
Reflection
- How does Jesus's sharp question 'What is that to thee?' challenge our tendency to monitor and compare other Christians' callings and experiences?
- Why is it significant that Jesus uses a hypothetical ('If I will...') rather than actually revealing John's future to Peter?
- In what areas of life are you distracted from your own calling by observing others' paths, and how does Christ's command 'Follow thou me' reorient your focus?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: John 21:19, Matthew 24:44, Mark 9:1, 1 Corinthians 4:5, 11:26, James 5:7