Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of John - Chapter 21 - Verse 3

21:3
Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

Meaning

After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples were unsure of what to do next. In this verse, Simon Peter expresses his intention to go fishing, possibly seeking comfort in something familiar. The other disciples decide to join him, showing their unity and desire to stay together in a time of uncertainty. The fact that they caught nothing that night is significant, as it could symbolize their lack of success and fulfillment without Jesus' guidance. This verse reflects the disciples' struggle to find purpose and direction without Jesus physically present. It ultimately highlights the importance of faith, trust, and staying united in times of doubt and adversity. Despite their unsuccessful fishing trip, this experience sets the stage for Jesus to appear to them once again and reveal his plan for their future.

Theological Overview

In the verse where Simon Peter declares he will go fishing and his companions decide to join him, there is a theological interpretation that can be derived from this passage. Some scholars believe that this action symbolizes the disciples returning to their former way of life, before they were called by Jesus to be fishers of men. By going back to fishing, they may have been feeling discouraged or unsure about their purpose and calling. Additionally, the fact that they caught nothing that night can be seen as a sign of their need for Jesus' guidance and presence in their lives. This passage can serve as a reminder to believers that when we try to go about our own plans without seeking God's will, we may find ourselves coming up short. It underscores the importance of having faith and relying on Jesus for direction and provision in all aspects of our lives.

American Standard Version

Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also come with thee. They went forth, and entered into the boat; and that night they took nothing.
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