John 21:18-25

18 Peter had boasted that he would lay down his soul for Him (Joh_13:37). It was this that led the Lord to predict that he would disown Him. Now He assures Peter that he will some day fulfill his boast. There is a tradition that Peter was crucified. See 2Pe_1:14.

20 Now we are given a hint of John's commission. In a veiled way we are given to understand that John was to remain alive until the Lord's return. This is fulfilled in his vision of the Unveiling. There, in spirit, he sees all the events leading up to the kingdom and the kingdom itself. Truly, in spirit, he remained until the Lord comes. The thought that John's special ministry, as distinct from Peter's, finds its fullest expression in the future when the kingdom is set up, is further enforced by the fact that we hear nothing of it until after the close of the Pentecostal era. Had it been intended to be used in that day, or in connection with Paul's evangel to the nations, it seems that Peter would have mentioned it. Only in the light of Israel's glorious future, as a blessing to all nations, can we fully appreciate the special message it contains.

25 In the glory we shall know of all His acts. Till then we know of more than we can at present appreciate. May they fill our minds and hearts!