John 21:22-23
What is written? (ESV)
Jesus said to him, If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me! So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?
What does it say?
Jesus responded to him [Peter] that it was none of Peter’s concern whether or not it be His will that he [John] remain until His return. Peter only needs to follow Him. As a result, a rumor spread among the brethren that John was not going to die [before Jesus returned], but that’s not what Jesus had said. He had only said that it wasn’t Peter’s business whether or not it was His will for John to remain until He come.
What is its immediate context?
The closing and final appearances of Jesus in John’s gospel account. Jesus has risen and demonstrated His complete bodily resurrection by having breakfast with them, where they all know it is the risen Lord (vs 12). After eating, Jesus is walking with Peter and questions him three times about if he loves Him, concluding with the command to “Follow me”. (vs 19) It’s after this that Peter sees John “following them” (vs 20) and asks Jesus the question, “What about this man?” (vs 21)
How John 21:22-23 is applied across Bible answers
Has Jesus already returned (Revelation 22:20)?
Jesus makes no statement here about when He might return or if it would be in John's lifetime (probably because He didn't know[no repeater]). His only point to Peter was, "You follow Me!"
