John 21:12

ἀριστήσατε. Not the afternoon or evening δεῖπνον (John 12:2; John 13:2), but the morning ἄριστον, which could be rejected before going to one’s day’s work (Matthew 22:4), is intended: see on Luke 11:37. Here the Apostles listen to the invitation with mingled perplexity, awe, and conviction. They know that He is the Lord, but feel that He is changed, and reverence restrains them from curious questions (comp. John 4:27). Thus the writer shews knowledge of the inmost feelings of Apostles: John 2:11; John 2:17; John 2:22; John 4:27; John 4:33; John 6:21; John 9:2; John 20:20 [19].