“There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.”
My Notes
What Does John 21:2 Mean?
"There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples." Seven disciples are together at the Sea of Galilee after the resurrection. Peter has gone back to fishing (verse 3). The post-resurrection community is gathered, but they're not sure what to do. The old life (fishing) and the new life (following Jesus) haven't yet been integrated.
The listing of seven disciples — not twelve, not all — suggests an incomplete gathering. The community is reassembling but not yet fully formed. The resurrection has happened, but the Great Commission hasn't yet been given. They're between the old and the new, doing the only thing they know how to do: fish.
Thomas's presence is significant: the man who doubted is included. His doubt didn't disqualify him from the community. He's listed alongside Peter, the denier, and the sons of Zebedee, who asked for thrones. The post-resurrection gathering includes doubters, deniers, and ambitious brothers. Nobody is excluded for their failures.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What are you doing in the 'between-times' — after the old life ended but before the new fully began?
- 2.How does the inclusion of doubters, deniers, and ambitious brothers encourage you?
- 3.Why does Jesus show up during ordinary activities (fishing) rather than during worship?
- 4.What does the incomplete gathering (seven of twelve) teach about community in transition?
Devotional
Seven disciples together. Peter who denied. Thomas who doubted. The sons of Zebedee who wanted thrones. And they've gone back to fishing. The resurrection has happened, and they don't know what to do next.
The between-times are the hardest. The old life is over — you can't unfollow Jesus after seeing Him risen. But the new life hasn't fully begun — the Spirit hasn't come, the Commission hasn't been given. So what do you do? You go back to what you know. Peter says: I'm going fishing (verse 3). And everyone follows him to the boat.
The listing of names is a roll call of failure. Peter denied. Thomas doubted. James and John asked for positions of power. Nathanael dismissed Nazareth. And they're all here, together, in the same boat. The post-resurrection community isn't a gathering of the perfect. It's a gathering of the forgiven.
The incomplete number — seven of twelve — means the community is still reassembling. Not everyone has arrived yet. Not every relationship has been restored. Not every disciple is in the boat. The body is incomplete. And Jesus shows up anyway (verse 4).
Jesus meets them in the middle of their uncertainty — not at the Temple, not during worship, but at the shore while they're fishing. He finds them doing ordinary things between extraordinary events. The between-times are where Jesus shows up for breakfast.
What are you doing in your between-time? And would you recognize Jesus at the shore?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
There were together,.... In one place, in one house, in some town, or city of Galilee, not far from the sea of Tiberias;…
There were together - Probably residing in the same place. While they were waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit,…
We have here an account of Christ's appearance to his disciples at the sea of Tiberias. Now, 1. Let us compare this…
There were together Probably all seven belonged to the neighbourhood; we know this of four of them.
Thomas See on Joh…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture