New Testament
John 21:22
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Jesus said to him, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me."
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Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
What John 21:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is responding to Peter's curiosity about the fate of another disciple, traditionally understood to be John. Jesus emphasizes that each person's journey and calling are unique. His statement, 'What is that to you?' highlights the importance of focusing on one's own relationship with Him rather than comparing oneself to others. Jesus calls Peter to follow Him, indicating that personal discipleship is paramount. This moment underscores the idea that God has different plans for each individual, and it is not our place to question or compare those plans. Instead, we should concentrate on our own path and commitment to following Christ, trusting that He knows what is best for each of us. This teaching encourages believers to avoid distractions from their own spiritual growth by fixating on others' lives or destinies.
How to apply John 21:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to focus on our own spiritual journey rather than comparing ourselves to others. We should seek to follow Christ faithfully, trusting that He has a unique plan for each of us. Embrace your path and grow in your relationship with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying John 21:22
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 21:22 mean?
In John 21:22, Jesus tells Peter that each person's journey is unique and that he should focus on following Him rather than worrying about others. This emphasizes the importance of personal discipleship and trusting God's individual plans for everyone.
What is the meaning of 'What is that to you?' in John 21:22?
The phrase 'What is that to you?' in John 21:22 highlights that Peter should not concern himself with the fate of another disciple. Instead, Jesus encourages him to concentrate on his own relationship and commitment to following Christ.
How does John 21:22 apply to our lives today?
John 21:22 encourages us to avoid comparing our spiritual journeys with others. It reminds us to focus on our own relationship with Christ and trust that He has a specific plan for each of us.
What themes are present in John 21:22?
Key themes in John 21:22 include discipleship, individual calling, the importance of focusing on Christ, avoiding comparison, and nurturing a personal relationship with God.
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