The New Testament unambiguously describes Peter as the head of the apostles and this passage from John’s Gospel affirms it. John has already indicated Peter’s important role when he narrates the disciple’s first meeting with the Lord, where Jesus changes his name to Kephas, or ‘Rock’. This final episode is meant to confirm Peter’s status.

The traditional interpretation says that Peter’s threefold declaraation of his love corresponds with his threefold denial of the Lord, and it is undoubtedly correct. Jesus poses the question artfully – “do you love me more than all these ?” – to match Peter’s earlier boastful claim, “ – even if these others deny you, I will not!”. Peter’s overconfidence is chastened now. He will assume nothing for himself, nor pretend to compare his love with any other’s, but humbly assert what the Lord already knows.

In asking Peter to “feed my lambs, feed my sheep”, Christ passes his own office of Shepherd over to Peter. It will be the destiny of Peter to follow the Good Shepherd in every detail, down to the giving up of his life.

Jesus then foretells Peter’s future, using a metaphor for old age familiar to all: “when you were young, you fastened your belt about you and walked where you chose. But when you are old, you will stretch out your arms, and a stranger will tie you fast.” The metaphor of stretching and binding does not only apply to age, but was a term referring to crucifixion; and Jesus hereby tells Peter how he will die. It is to this that John refers when he adds the Lord’s call to Peter: “Follow me.” This is the oldest written testimony we have to Peter’s martyrdom by crucifixion.