John 21:12, commentary and pictures

After the resurrection Jesus met the disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias, where much of His ministry had been spent, when seven disciples had gathered where they were not likely to be disturbed. The place was surrounded by reminders of Him and His mighty works, and their minds were full of His words and deeds. On that sea when their hearts were filled with terror in the fierce storm hurrying them to destruction He had walked upon the billows to their rescue and hushed the tempest by His word, the beach was within sight where above ten thousand persons had been fed from a few small loaves and fishes, and Capernaum was not far distant as the scene of many miracles.

Those present were Peter with Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee and two others, who had fished all night and caught nothing before Jesus revealed Himself by the miracle of the multitude of fishes on the right side of the ship. After that catch the net was dragged to land and preparation was made on shore. Jesus had Himself prepared fish and bread with fire and food on land, and after the miraculous catch and the preparation He invited the disciples to come and dine with Him.

He Himself broke the bread and the fish and divided and gave it to them. That act distinctly brought back to their minds His feeding of the five thousand from a few small loaves and fishes on the mountainside, near the beach within sight where above ten thousand had been fed and not far from Capernaum as the scene of many miracles. By that act all seven knew, recognized and acknowledged Him as the risen Lord, so none dared ask Him who He was. A mysterious awe rested upon them as they gazed in silence upon their resurrected Saviour, and they were too amazed to question where the fire and food had come from. Their silence came from amazement and reverent awe.

The repeated miracle renewed Christ's commission, showing that His death did not end their duty to continue the work He had assigned them and that His care would sustain them as they carried it out. The shared meal provided the setting where Jesus then restored Peter publicly by singling him out. Three times asking his love and charging the converted Peter to feed His lambs and sheep, He gave him opportunity to show sincere repentance and regain his brethren's confidence and restored him to a position of trust before returning to apostolic work.