John 21:15

Had dined. Or, “had finished breakfast” (see on v. 12).

Lovest. Gr. agapad. In his reply to Jesus’ question Peter uses another word for “love,” namely philed. These two words are at times distinguished, agapad refers to a higher form of love, a love controlled by principle rather than emotion; philed, to spontaneous, emotional love. For a discussion of the difference in meaning between these two words see on Matt. 5:43; John 11:3. There is a difference of opinion among scholars as to whether the two words are to be distinguished in meaning here or whether they are used synonymously as they are, for example, in John 14:23; cf. John 16:27.

In His first two questions Jesus used agapad, and Peter replied with philed. The third time Jesus used phileo, and Peter replied, as previously, with philed. If the two words are to be distinguished, which intent cannot be determined with certainty, the following interpretation is possible: Jesus asked Peter twice whether he loved Him with the higher form of love (agapad). Peter, however, admitted no more than common friendship, “Thou knowest that I love [philed] thee.” The third time Jesus used the word Peter had twice employed and asked him whether he really loved Him as a friend (philed), which the apostle had already twice admitted. Apparently to Peter there was an implied doubt in the third question. According to this interpretation, he was grieved, not because the same question had been put to him thrice, but because the third time Jesus changed His question and appeared to question the sincerity of Peter’s replies.

The three questions of Jesus possibly had reference to the three denials of Peter. Thrice the apostle had denied his Lord. He was given opportunity thrice to confess Him.

More than these. Grammatically, “these” could refer either to the other disciples or to the boat and fishing gear. However, since the latter have not been mentioned in the immediate context, it is preferable to consider the reference to be to the disciples.

Thou knowest. Peter’s reply is humble. All arrogant boasting is gone.

Feed my lambs. The lambs represented those new in the faith. Peter later compared the elders of the church to shepherds and those under their charge to a flock whom the elders were to feed (1 Peter 5:1-4). Ministers of God are shepherds serving under the leadership of the Chief Shepherd.