21:1–25. Epilogue

If read as an integral part of the work, John's epilogue provides a model for the disciples» continuing experience of Jesus beyond the resurrection; subsequent disciples would experience this presence of Jesus through the Paraclete (16:8–15; 20:22), but because John emphasizes Jesus» continuing presence, he will close his Gospel with a resurrection encounter rather than with the announced ascension (20:17).

Here the general commission of the disciples in 20becomes a more specific call regarding Peter and the beloved disciple; the former must carry on Jesus» mission as a shepherd yet as also one of his sheep; he will also be able to die for Jesus as he promised in 13but failed to do in 18:25–27. The latter will remain alive, albeit not until Jesus» return. The clarification suggests that Peter was the accepted spiritual leader of the original apostolic circle until his death, and that the beloved disciple became prominent (at least in his own circle) during the period (on our reading, as much as three decades) that followed. It also suggests that some expected Jesus to return before the final original member of the apostolic circle (or, in other readings, circle of eyewitnesses) died and, further, that by the time the Gospel is published, that member has died or expects death in the imminent future and Jesus has not yet returned (except in the realized eschatological sense already fulfilled in 20:19–23).