John 21:16

The second time. The question is repeated but without the addition of “more than these” (see v. 15). Peter’s love is directly challenged. Peter gives the same humble answer.

Feed. Gr. poimaind, “to shepherd,” which, of course, includes feeding. In v. 15 the word for “feed” is bosko, “to feed [as a herdsman].” The two words were used synonymously. Peter’s responsibility as a shepherd is further emphasized and perhaps enlarged. If the “lambs” were those new in the faith, “sheep” would refer to the flock generally. Despite his failure, Peter was not to be deprived of his call to be a “fisher” of men (Luke 5:10).