John 21:19
(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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After Jesus’ poignant conversation with Peter about his restored calling and his future martyrdom, the evangelist clarifies that Christ's words revealed Peter would glorify God through his death, likely a violent one. Jesus then reiterates the core command, "Follow me," which for Peter meant not just accompanying Him at that moment, but embracing a life of imitation, suffering, and ultimately, a death that would honor God.
Jesus doesn't just tell Peter he'll die; he tells him HOW he'll die. This wasn't a prediction of mere demise, but a prophecy of ultimate service.
When Jesus says Peter will "glorify God" by his death, it means his end won't be ordinary. It points to a violent, sacrificial death that will powerfully testify to God's truth and faithfulness.
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After revealing Peter's ultimate destiny, Jesus issues a familiar command: 'Follow me.' This wasn't just a casual suggestion, but a profound summons.
The command "Follow me" comes to Peter not just once, but repeatedly throughout his relationship with Jesus. Here, after the weighty prophecy of his death, it carries immense significance:
Understand the original words
doxazō · Greek Verb
To praise, honor, or manifest the excellence and character of God. In the context of a believer's life and death, it means the ultimate surrender of one's existence to reflect God's holiness and power.
akoloutheō · Greek Verb
A call to discipleship, demanding complete surrender, imitation of Christ’s life, and obedience to His commands. It implies leaving one’s own path to walk exclusively in the way of Jesus.
The instruction 'Follow me,' given after Peter's restoration and a prophecy of his martyrdom, takes on profound meaning. It signifies not just immediate obedience, but a lifelong commitment to imitate Christ, even unto a sacrificial death, fulfilling a pattern established by Christ himself.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus' earthly ministry concludes with his crucifixion and resurrection, profoundly impacting his followers.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Peter's Denials and Restoration
Peter famously denies Jesus three times but is later restored by Jesus' direct commission to 'feed my sheep.'
c. AD 40s
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The Christian church begins to spread rapidly, but also faces increasing opposition from Jewish authorities and Roman rulers.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to falsely blame and persecute Christians.
c. AD 67
Peter's Martyrdom in Rome
Tradition holds that the Apostle Peter was crucified upside down in Rome during Nero's persecution, glorifying God through his death.
This passage speaks about Christ being magnified in the believer's body, whether through life or death. It directly echoes the idea in John 21:19 that Peter's death would bring glory to God, highlighting how martyrdom can be a testament to Christ's power.
1 Peter 4:16Peter himself wrote about suffering for being a Christian and glorifying God through it. This connects deeply with Jesus' prophecy to Peter, showing how suffering for the faith is a way to honor God.
Matthew 16:24-25Here, Jesus first calls his disciples to 'follow me' by taking up their cross and losing their life. This earlier teaching provides a foundational understanding of what 'following' Jesus truly entails, which is then amplified by the prophecy of Peter's martyrdom.
John 13:36In this earlier conversation, Peter asks Jesus where he is going, and Jesus tells him he cannot follow now but will later. John 21:19 revisits this 'follow me' command, now with the added context of Peter's future death, showing the fulfillment of that earlier promise.
Acts 5:41This verse describes the apostles rejoicing after being flogged because they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. It shows that suffering for Christ, as Peter was told he would do, was seen as a great honor that glorified God.
barnesJohn 21:19: "This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me."
By what death ... - In these words two things are implied: 1. that Peter would die a violent death; and, 2. that his death would be such as to honor God. The ancients say that Peter was crucified at Rome, about 34 years after this, with his head downward. Clemens says that he was led to the crucifixion with his wife, and sustained her in her sufferings by exhor…
ellicottJohn 21:19: "This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me."
(19) This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. —These words are a comment by the writer, and quite in St. John’s style. (Comp. John 2:21 ; John 6:6 ; John 7:39 ; John 12:33 .) “By what death,” or, more exactly, by what manner of death (comp. John 12:33; John 18:32), indicates generally the martyrdom of Peter as distinct from a natural death…
{ "references": [ { "reference": "Philippians 1:20", "connection": "This passage echoes the idea that Christ will be honored (glorified) in believers, whether through life or death, highlighting the ultimate purpose of suffering for the faith." }, { "reference": "1 Peter 4:16", "connection": "Peter himself wrote about suffering for Christ's name and glorifying God through it, showing a deep personal understanding of this principle he was called to embody." }, { "reference": "John 13:36", "connection": "This earlier conversation between Jesus and Peter about following Him where he couldn't go yet, directly foreshadows this later call to follow in a way that ultimately leads to death." }, { "reference": "Matthew 10:38", "connection": "Jesus' teaching here about taking up one's cross and following Him provides the foundational understanding for what 'following me' truly means in the context of discipleship and potential suffering." } ] }
After Jesus’ poignant conversation with Peter about his restored calling and his future martyrdom, the evangelist clarifies that Christ's words revealed Peter would glorify God through his death, likely a violent one. Jesus then reiterates the core command, "Follow me," which for Peter meant not just accompanying Him at that moment, but embracing a life of imitation, suffering, and ultimately, a death that would honor God.
After Jesus’ poignant conversation with Peter about his restored calling and his future martyrdom, the evangelist clarifies that Christ's words revealed Peter would glorify God through his death, likely a violent one. Jesus then reiterates the core command, "Follow me," which for Peter meant not just accompanying Him at that moment, but embracing a life of imitation, suffering, and ultimately, a death that would honor God.
"(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”" — { "references": [ { "reference": "Philippians 1:20", "connection": "This passage echoes the idea that Christ will be honored (glorified) in believers, whether through life or death,…
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