John 21.1-23: Narrative Unity and Its Implications

Abstract

Both outward form and inner coherence indicate that Jn 21.1-23 is a tightly unified narrative describing the progress of an extended encounter between Jesus and Peter. Among the many indicators of this unity, the phrase πλέον τούτων in v. 15 is par ticularly important; it refers to the fish and fishing described in vv. 1-14. The nature of the text as one unified narrative has implications for a proper understanding of the author's purpose and meaning. The most significant aspect of this is that in portray ing Peter's encounter with Jesus the narrative illustrates aspects of discipleship. The narrative form of the text also provides some evidence which calls into question the view that the text is a composite of several independent pieces of tradition.