the Gospel might naturally have closed at this point, as indeed the last
verses of the twentieth chapter suggest that the writer himself felt
that his task was done. But as throughout his Gospel he had followed the
plan of adducing such of Christ's miracles as seemed to throw a strong
light on His spiritual power, he could not well close without mentioning
the last miracle of all, and which seemed to have only a didactic
purpose. Besides, there was another reason for John adding this chapter.
He was writing at the very close of the century. So long had he survived
the unparalleled events he narrates that an impression had gone abroad
that he would never die. It was even rumoured that our Lord had foretold
that the beloved disciple should tarry on earth till He Himself should
return. John takes the opportunity of relating what the Lord had really
said, as well as of recounting the all-important event out of which the
misreported conversation had arisen.

When the disciples had spent the Passover week at Jerusalem, they
naturally returned to their homes in Galilee. The house of the old
fisherman Zebedee was probably their rendezvous. We need not listen to
their talk as they relate what had passed in Jerusalem, in order to see
that they are sensible of the peculiarity of their situation and are in
a state of suspense.

They are back among the familiar scenes, the boats are lying on the
beach, their old companions are sitting about mending their nets as they
themselves had been doing a year or two before when summoned by Jesus to
follow Him on the moment. But though old associations are thus laying
hold of them again, there is evidence that new influences are also at
work; for with the fishermen are found Nathanael and others who were
there, not for the sake of old associations, but of the new and common
interest they had in Christ. The seven men have kept together; they
participate in an experience of which their fellow-townsmen know
nothing; but they must live. Hints have been thrown out that seven
strong men must not depend on other arms than their own for a
livelihood. And as they stand together that evening and watch boat after
boat push off, the women wishing their husbands and sons good-speed, the
men cheerily responding and busily getting their tackle in trim, with a
look of pity at the group of disciples, Peter can stand it no longer,
but makes for his own or some unoccupied boat with the words, "I go
a-fishing."