“More than these?’
When Jesus asked Peter on the beach, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” Could the ‘these’ possibly have meant the fish? Most commentaries I’ve read make it sound like it’s a competition – “Do you love me more than these other disciples?” (Here’s the context)
Could he be talking about fish and fishing – calling Peter to give up his old life and follow him?
Maybe I’m way off base. I’m just not very comfortable with the interpretations that point to this passage as an anointing of Peter as the chief among the Apostles. The only way he could be named chief among Apostles is if he loved Jesus more.
I can’t help but think of the corny cheer they used to do at camp (at least I hope they’re not doing it anymore)…”We love Jesus, yes we do! We love Jesus, how ’bout you?”
Something just doesn’t feel right about that.
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I just looked at the Greek. Wasn’t too helpful. The word for ‘these’ could mean ‘these people’ or ‘these things.’ At least, that’s my novice understanding of it.
Hopefully,, the resident biblical language guru, can help me out!