John 21:9 - Exposition

So when they were come to land (literally, with Revised version, got out of the boat upon the land; א reads ἀνέβησαν instead of ἀπέβησαν ), they see a fire of coals there . The word ἀνθρακία occurs only in John 18:18 and in this place. It is derived from ἄνθραξ , a "coal of fire," or burning charcoal. Observe the form κειμένην (of John 2:6 ), which implies that the burning brazier was placed there for a purpose. And fish laid thereon, and a loaf . £ ( ὀψάριον and ὀψάρια , used both in the singular and the plural for the roast relish eaten with bread, and, by reason of the customary food of the people, is often used for "fish" or "fishes.") Our Lord was regarding the whole of this proceeding from the standing of one who would meet their hunger, and was conscious of power to feed the world in its utmost need. So the provision which was thus made in advance for the need of the disciples becomes symbolic of Christ's power to meet all the wants of the dying world. Numerous speculations have been hazarded about the method employed by our Lord to prepare this meal. The early Fathers, Chrysostom, Theophylact, with Grotius, have appealed to Christ's creative power. Luthardt thinks of the ministry of angels. Some have suggested that Peter prepared the hasty repast during the interval that elapsed between his landing on the shore and the approach of the boat. Our Lord, who knew how to arrange for the last supper with his disciples, and who had all the resources of Providence, and hosts of disciples along the shore, would, with superlative ease, and without revealing himself to strangers, have made this simple meal; and, with his knowledge of the ease, would have still delighted to act towards his beloved ones as at once their Host and their Minister. He simply prepared for his own what he has been doing ever since.