Scripture Study for

Although, as we saw last week, many of the Jews in Jerusalem  “esteemed” the apostles for the healing and preaching, the religious leaders are suspicious of the apostles and their message. Accordingly,  the apostles have been summoned before the Sanhedrin, which once again commands them to cease teaching in the name of Jesus (see  4:17–18). Here the Sanhedrin objects in particular to the claims that it is somehow responsible for the death of Jesus. Peter announces that of course it does not have the authority to stop them from teaching,  because they are acting in obedience to a higher authority. They must preach the gospel, even if it brings them “dishonor,” which they joyfully accept as the price of their fidelity to God. 

Having written letters of encouragement and admonition to the seven churches of Asia (2:1–3:22), John now recounts his vision of the heavenly liturgy, in which Christ, as the Lamb, receives the worship of countless angels, elders, and others. They acknowledge with one voice that the slain Paschal Lamb is worthy of worship, adoration,  praise, and thanksgiving for his sacrifice on behalf of all creation. The entire creation, without exception, rightfully acknowledges Christ’s right to sit on the throne and rule that creation, receiving everlasting obedience and fidelity. The four living creatures are hybrid creatures  (4:6–8), a clear reference to the four creatures in Ezekiel’s vision of the divine chariot throne, who are in fact cherubim (Ezekiel 1:5–21;  10:20). 

In his final conversation with the disciples in John’s Gospel, Jesus appears to them at the Sea of Tiberias as they are fishing. Having caught nothing all night, they prepare to go ashore when Jesus sends them back out. The haul of fish, numbered at 153, is most likely symbolic, but readers through the centuries have been unsure of exactly what. More importantly, the threefold confession of Peter that he loves Jesus represents his rehabilitation after his threefold denial on  Holy Thursday (John 18:17, 25, 27). Peter is now the shepherd who will tend Christ’s flock, caring for them as Christ did. The final verses point to the crucifixion of Peter, once again reminding readers that even those most in Christ’s favor (or perhaps especially those) cannot escape suffering in his service.