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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 21:19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after He had said this, He told him, "Follow Me."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/21-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/43_Jhn_21_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 21:19 - Jesus Reinstates Peter" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. 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Then he said to him, &#8220Follow me!&#8221 <a href="/nlt/john/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” <a href="/esv/john/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” <a href="/bsb/john/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me.” <a href="/blb/john/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now He said this signifying by what death he will glorify God. And having said this, He says to him, "Follow Me." <a href="/kjv/john/21.htm">King James Bible</a> This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. <a href="/nkjv/john/21.htm">New King James Version</a> This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” <a href="/nasb_/john/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now He said this, indicating by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had said this, He said to him, “Follow Me!” <a href="/nasb/john/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, &#8220Follow Me!&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me!” <a href="/lsb/john/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me!” <a href="/amp/john/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now He said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after saying this, He said to him, “Follow Me [walk the same path of life that I have walked]!” <a href="/csb/john/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.” <a href="/hcsb/john/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He said this to signify by what kind of death he would glorify God. After saying this, He told him, &#8220Follow Me!&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now this he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. <a href="/cev/john/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus said this to tell how Peter would die and bring honor to God. Then he said to Peter, "Follow me!" <a href="/erv/john/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now this he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. <a href="/gwt/john/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Jesus said this to show by what kind of death Peter would bring glory to God. After saying this, Jesus told Peter, "Follow me!" <a href="/gnt/john/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> (In saying this, Jesus was indicating the way in which Peter would die and bring glory to God.) Then Jesus said to him, "Follow me!" <a href="/isv/john/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now he said this to show by what kind of death he would glorify God. After saying this, Jesus told him, "Keep following me." <a href="/msb/john/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after He had said this, He told him, ?Follow Me.? <a href="/net/john/21.htm">NET Bible</a> (Now Jesus said this to indicate clearly by what kind of death Peter was going to glorify God.) After he said this, Jesus told Peter, "Follow me." <a href="/nheb/john/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me." <a href="/wbt/john/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> This he spoke, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith to him, Follow me. <a href="/wey/john/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> This He said to indicate the kind of death by which that disciple would bring glory to God; and after speaking thus He said to him, "Follow me." <a href="/web/john/21.htm">World English Bible</a> Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and this He said, signifying by what death he will glorify God; and having said this, He says to him, “Follow Me.” <a href="/blb/john/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now He said this signifying by what death he will glorify God. And having said this, He says to him, "Follow Me." <a href="/ylt/john/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and this he said, signifying by what death he shall glorify God; and having said this, he saith to him, 'Be following me.' <a href="/slt/john/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And this he said, signifying by what death he shall honour God. And having said this, he says to him, Follow me.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And this he said, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had said this, he saith to him: Follow me. <a href="/cpdv/john/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now he said this to signify by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.” <a href="/nabre/john/21.htm">New American Bible</a> He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.” <a href="/nrsvce/john/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> He said this, to show by what death he would glorify God. And when he had said these things, he said to him, Follow me. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But he said this to show by what death he was going to glorify God. And after he had said these things, he said to him, “Come after me.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But this he said, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he said to him: Follow me.<CM> <a href="/godbey/john/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And He spoke this, signifying by what death he shall glorify God. And having spoken this, He says to him, <FR>Follow me.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> This he told him, to intimate by what kind of death he should glorify God. And having thus spoken, he said to him, Follow me. <a href="/mace/john/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a> this he said to signify to Peter by what death he should glorify God, and when he had spoken this, he said to him, follow me. <a href="/wey/john/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> This He said to indicate the kind of death by which that disciple would bring glory to God; and after speaking thus He said to him, "Follow me." <a href="/worrell/john/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Now this He spake, signifying by what manner of death he would glorify God. And, having spoken this, He saith to him, <FR>"Follow Me."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> This He said, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when He had said this, He saith unto him, <FR>Follow me.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/21-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=7517" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/21.htm">Jesus Reinstates Peter</a> …18Truly, truly, I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">Jesus said</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/4591.htm" title="4591: sēmainōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To signify, indicate, give a sign, make known. From sema; to indicate.">to indicate</a> <a href="/greek/2288.htm" title="2288: thanatō (N-DMS) -- Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.">the kind of death</a> <a href="/greek/4169.htm" title="4169: poiō (IPro-DMS) -- Of what sort. From the base of pou and hoios; individualizing interrogative what sort of, or which one.">by which</a> <a href="/greek/1392.htm" title="1392: doxasei (V-FIA-3S) -- To glorify, honor, bestow glory on. From doxa; to render glorious.">Peter would glorify</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And after</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipōn (V-APA-NMS) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">He had said</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this,</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">He told</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him,</a> <a href="/greek/190.htm" title="190: Akolouthei (V-PMA-2S) -- To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.">“Follow</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me.” </a> 20Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. He was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper to ask, “Lord, who is going to betray You?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/13-36.htm">John 13:36</a> “Lord, where are You going?” Simon Peter asked. Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.” <a href="/john/12-33.htm">John 12:33</a> He said this to indicate the kind of death He was going to die. <a href="/2_peter/1-14.htm">2 Peter 1:14</a> because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. <a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">Matthew 16:24</a> Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. <a href="/matthew/10-38.htm">Matthew 10:38</a> and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. <a href="/luke/9-23.htm">Luke 9:23</a> Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. <a href="/mark/8-34.htm">Mark 8:34</a> Then Jesus called the crowd to Him along with His disciples, and He told them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. <a href="/romans/6-5.htm">Romans 6:5</a> For if we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection. <a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Philippians 1:20-21</a> I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. / For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. <a href="/1_peter/4-13.htm">1 Peter 4:13-14</a> But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. <a href="/acts/12-3.htm">Acts 12:3-4</a> And seeing that this pleased the Jews, Herod proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. / He arrested him and put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover. <a href="/acts/21-11.htm">Acts 21:11</a> Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and said, “The Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.’” <a href="/1_corinthians/6-20.htm">1 Corinthians 6:20</a> you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. <a href="/revelation/1-9.htm">Revelation 1:9</a> I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance that are in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and my testimony about Jesus. <a href="/isaiah/53-12.htm">Isaiah 53:12</a> Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>This spoke he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he said to him, Follow me.by.<a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Philippians 1:20</a> According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.<a href="/1_peter/4-11.htm">1 Peter 4:11-14</a> If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen… <a href="/2_peter/1-14.htm">2 Peter 1:14</a> Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.Follow.<a href="/john/21-22.htm">John 21:22</a> Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.<a href="/john/12-26.htm">John 12:26</a> If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.<a href="/john/13-36.htm">John 13:36,37</a> Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/19-32.htm">Death</a> <a href="/john/21-7.htm">Disciple</a> <a href="/john/13-37.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/john/20-6.htm">Following</a> <a href="/john/17-5.htm">Glorify</a> <a href="/john/17-24.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/john/12-33.htm">Indicate</a> <a href="/john/21-17.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/john/18-32.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/john/21-13.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/john/21-17.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/john/18-32.htm">Pointing</a> <a href="/john/21-1.htm">Show</a> <a href="/john/18-32.htm">Signifying</a> <a href="/john/12-33.htm">Sort</a> <a href="/john/20-14.htm">Speaking</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/21-23.htm">Death</a> <a href="/john/21-20.htm">Disciple</a> <a href="/john/21-22.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/john/21-20.htm">Following</a> <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Glorify</a> <a href="/acts/2-20.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/acts/11-28.htm">Indicate</a> <a href="/john/21-20.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/acts/2-27.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/acts/1-11.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/john/21-20.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/acts/17-3.htm">Pointing</a> <a href="/acts/1-24.htm">Show</a> <a href="/acts/4-36.htm">Signifying</a> <a href="/acts/7-49.htm">Sort</a> <a href="/acts/1-3.htm">Speaking</a><div class="vheading2">John 21</div>1. <a href="/john/21-1.htm">Jesus appearing again to his disciples is known of them by the great catch of fish.</a> 12. <a href="/john/21-12.htm">He dines with them;</a> 15. <a href="/john/21-15.htm">earnestly commands Peter to feed his lambs and sheep;</a> 18. <a href="/john/21-18.htm">foretells him of his death;</a> 22. <a href="/john/21-22.htm">rebukes his curiosity.</a> 24. <a href="/john/21-24.htm">The conclusion.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. This phrase refers to Jesus' prediction of Peter's martyrdom. The context is a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus, where He reinstates Peter after his earlier denial. The "kind of death" suggests crucifixion, as early church tradition holds that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome under Emperor Nero. This aligns with Jesus' earlier words in <a href="/john/13-36.htm">John 13:36</a>, where He tells Peter that he cannot follow Him now but will follow later. The concept of glorifying God through death is significant, as it reflects the early Christian understanding of martyrdom as a witness to faith. The idea of glorifying God through suffering and death is also seen in <a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Philippians 1:20</a> and <a href="/1_peter/4-16.htm">1 Peter 4:16</a>, where believers are encouraged to endure persecution for the sake of Christ.And after He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me.” This command to "Follow Me" is both literal and metaphorical. Literally, Jesus invites Peter to continue in His physical presence, but metaphorically, it signifies a call to discipleship and a life of obedience, even unto death. This echoes Jesus' earlier call to His disciples in <a href="/matthew/4-19.htm">Matthew 4:19</a> and is a reminder of the cost of discipleship as outlined in <a href="/luke/9-23.htm">Luke 9:23</a>, where Jesus says to take up one's cross daily. The phrase also connects to the broader theme of following Jesus as the Good Shepherd, as seen in <a href="/john/10-27.htm">John 10:27</a>, where His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. This call to follow is a personal invitation to Peter, reaffirming his role as a leader among the apostles and a shepherd to the early church, as seen in <a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15-17</a>, where Jesus instructs Peter to feed His sheep.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The resurrected Lord who appears to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. He is the central figure in this passage, providing guidance and prophecy to Peter. 2. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter (Simon Peter)</a> One of Jesus' closest disciples, who is being restored and commissioned by Jesus after his previous denial of Christ. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_sea_of_galilee.htm">The Sea of Galilee</a> The location where Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection. It is a significant place for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> The group of Jesus' followers who are present during this appearance, witnessing the interaction between Jesus and Peter. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_prophecy_of_peter's_death.htm">The Prophecy of Peter's Death</a> Jesus foretells the manner of Peter's death, indicating that Peter will glorify God through his martyrdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/following_jesus_despite_the_cost.htm">Following Jesus Despite the Cost</a> Jesus' call to Peter, "Follow Me," in <a href="/john/21-19.htm">John 21:19</a>, emphasizes the cost of discipleship. Believers are encouraged to follow Christ wholeheartedly, even when it leads to personal sacrifice. <a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_purpose.htm">Restoration and Purpose</a> Peter's restoration after his denial of Christ shows that failure is not the end. Jesus restores and commissions us for His purposes, regardless of past mistakes. <a href="/topical/g/glorifying_god_in_life_and_death.htm">Glorifying God in Life and Death</a> Jesus' prophecy about Peter's death highlights that our ultimate goal is to glorify God, whether in life or death. Believers are called to live with this eternal perspective. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_sovereignty.htm">Understanding God's Sovereignty</a> The prophecy of Peter's death reminds us of God's sovereignty over our lives. Trusting in His plan, even when it involves suffering, is a key aspect of faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Jesus' command to "Follow Me" is a call to obedience. True discipleship involves listening to and obeying Christ's commands in every aspect of life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 21</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_being_spiritually_lost.htm">Is Jesus a Lord, Liar, Lunatic, Legend, or Guru?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_know_all_things.htm">Did Jesus know everything? (John 21:17 vs. Mark 13:32)</a> <a href="/q/why_did_jesus_say_'forsaken_me'.htm">If Jesus is God, why did He say 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?' on the cross (Matthew 27:46)?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_the_apostles_die.htm">What were the causes of the apostles' deaths?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(19) This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God.--These words are a comment by the writer, and quite in St. John's style. (Comp. <a href="/john/2-21.htm" title="But he spoke of the temple of his body.">John 2:21</a>; <a href="/john/6-6.htm" title="And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.">John 6:6</a>; <a href="/john/7-39.htm" title="(But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)">John 7:39</a>; <a href="/john/12-33.htm" title="This he said, signifying what death he should die.">John 12:33</a>.)"By what death," or, more exactly, by what manner of death (comp. <a href="/john/12-33.htm" title="This he said, signifying what death he should die.">John 12:33</a>; <a href="/john/18-32.htm" title="That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spoke, signifying what death he should die.">John 18:32</a>), indicates generally the martyrdom of Peter as distinct from a natural death, without special reference to the crucifixion. (See Note on last verse.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 19. - This he said, adds the evangelist, signifying by what manner of death, not necessarily crucifixion (Godet), but that violent and martyr-death to which the prince of the apostles was called. How many anticipations, partial beginnings, of the final scene must Peter have passed through before, in utter human helplessness, but in Divine, supernatural strength, he stretched out his hands, allowed another to gird him, prepare him for the day's work, and carry him whither all his nature would shrink to go! There is no other hint whatever of literal crucifixion than this phrase of "stretching out the hand," which is nowhere else applied to the peculiar method in which the crucified ones suffered. Doubtless the transposition of the two phrases must not be pressed too much, since the stretching of the arms might possibly bear the literal interpretation of the action which was forced upon the victim, and the subsequent "girding" refer to the subligaculum, by which he was fastened to the instrument of torture; while the "being carried whither he would not" might, though by some forcing of the phrase, be supposed, though enigmatically and obscurely, to refer to the uplifting of the cross with its living burden. The phrase, "signifying by what manner of death he should glorify God," is peculiarly Johannine (<a href="/john/12-33.htm">John 12:33</a>; <a href="/john/18-32.htm">John 18:32</a>). This sublime term for the suffering of the great saints, taken from the light which the Lord's agony had cast upon holy death, became a permanent Christian idea (Suicer, 'Thes.,' 1:949). When John wrote, the fact of Peter's death must have been well known throughout the Church. There is every probability that he had long since been crucified, and the solemnity of the utterance was augmented and pointed by the well-known manner of the death of the illustrious apostle. This was, however, by no means the only meaning that naturally flows out of the warning; nor is Peter's experience the only illustration that it bears. And when he had spoken this, Jesus saith to him, Follow me. There may have been a primary interpretation derived from Christ's removal to a distance from the rest of the disciples, and the intention of conferring upon Peter there and then, special and further instructions. But from the context, in which the contrasts of life, character, and service are conspicuous, it would seem impossible (Meyer) so to restrict the meaning, as Tholuck and others do. The command is the concentration into one burning utterance of all that is meant by Christian life - that coming into relation with the living Lord, that imitation of his principle of action, which, as St. Paul in Philippians it. has shown, was capable of imitation in the narrower and smaller circle of our human experience. If it be rational for the Lord to have said, "Be ye perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect," and for Paul to have pressed upon his converts, "Be ye followers of God, as dear children;" "Be ye followers of me, as I am of Christ," - then the Lord gathered all the rules of conduct which were involved in his previous discourses into one word, when he laid upon the man who should be a fisher of souls, a feeder of lambs, a shepherd of sheep, a feeder of the little sheep of the flock, the comprehensive duty, "Follow me." Those interpretations which make the words mean "Follow me as universal bishop and pastor," as that of Chrysostom does, are incompatible with the narrative; or if we suppose them to signify, "Follow me into the invisible world," or "Imitate me in my martyrdom," this would be unpractical, and by no means in obvious harmony with the kind of injunctions just given. We give the passage from James Innes' translation of Aug., 'Tr.,' 123:4, which Westcott justly implies is beyond translation: "Such was the end reached by that denier and lover; elated by his presumption, prostrated by his denial, cleansed by his weeping, approved by his confession, crowned by his suffering, - this was the end he reached: to die with a perfected love for the Name of him with whom, by a perverted forwardness, he had promised to die. He would do, when strengthened by Christ's resurrection, what in his weaknesss he had promised prematurely. The needful order was that Christ should first die for Peter's salvation, and then that Peter should die for the preaching of Christ." Our Lord, when appealed to with reference to John, does not merely repeat the injunction, "Follow me," but forces upon Peter the original summons. This undoubtedly gives a solemnity and specialty to the work of Peter, to which the subsequent career of John was not an exact parallel. It cannot be said that our Lord in any sense forbids John to follow him, but says that, though John may abide, may rest, may meditate, may see visions and dream dreams, until he the Lord should come, that would in no respect alter the direct advice given to Peter. On referring to the earliest scene described in this Gospel between Jesus and his disciples, we find that "Follow me" was addressed to Philip, Moreover, Andrew and John were, on their first introduction to Jesus as "the Lamb of God," already (ἀκολουθοῦντας) "following him," and they were even then asking for power or permission to "abide" (μένειν) with him. But Peter was not then told to "follow him," but was simply invested with the great name of Cephas (<a href="/john/1-42.htm">John 1:42</a>). These details are obviously supplemented by those before us. The entire phraseology is borrowed from the earlier narrative. The true solution of the problem of the paragraph is that John had followed the Master from the first, and clung to him (ἔμεινε), abode with him, from those early days till the moment at which these memorable words were uttered. In the journeys to Jerusalem, at the interview with Nicodemus, in Samaria, at the pool of Bethesda, in the hall of the high priest, and in Pilate's Praetorium, at the upper chamber, and in the garden, to the cross, and to the grave of Joseph, the beloved disciple had "followed" his Master. Peter's devotion was intense and at times passionate, but it was marked with a striking disposition, from first to last, to lead as well as "follow," to advise as well as to be guided, to stretch forth his hands, and to gird himself for his own enterprises. But with all his extraordinary peculiarities, he had never really broken the bond or relinquished his faith; and now the Lord in one word corrects every one of his failings anew, and institutes him into his sublime mission by the call, "Follow me." But even yet, Peter's extraordinary characteristic, to guide rather than to follow, leads him once more to lake the initiative. For whatever gesture it was that our Lord made, which induced Peter to think of immediate action, we cannot say; but it would seem that, even before he began to follow, he gave another intensely vivid characterization of himself. <a href="/commentaries/john/21-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[Jesus] said εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. this τοῦτο (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. to indicate σημαίνων (sēmainōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4591.htm">Strong's 4591: </a> To signify, indicate, give a sign, make known. From sema; to indicate. [the kind of] death θανάτῳ (thanatō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2288.htm">Strong's 2288: </a> Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death. by which ποίῳ (poiō) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4169.htm">Strong's 4169: </a> Of what sort. From the base of pou and hoios; individualizing interrogative what sort of, or which one. [Peter] would glorify δοξάσει (doxasei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1392.htm">Strong's 1392: </a> To glorify, honor, bestow glory on. From doxa; to render glorious. God. Θεόν (Theon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. And [after] Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. He had said εἰπὼν (eipōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. this, τοῦτο (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. He told λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. him, αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “Follow Ἀκολούθει (Akolouthei) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_190.htm">Strong's 190: </a> To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany. Me.” μοι (moi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/21-19.htm">John 21:19 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/21-19.htm">John 21:19 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/21-19.htm">John 21:19 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/21-19.htm">John 21:19 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/21-19.htm">John 21:19 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/21-19.htm">John 21:19 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/21-19.htm">John 21:19 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/21-19.htm">John 21:19 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/21-19.htm">John 21:19 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/21-19.htm">John 21:19 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/21-19.htm">NT Gospels: John 21:19 Now he said this signifying by what (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/21-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 21:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 21:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/21-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 21:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 21:20" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>