Bible Discussion Thread

Why does John 21:7 mention that simon Peter was naked?

Hello Carol. In that verse, we read that Peter put on his "fisher's coat" (i.e. the outer tunic) when he understood from John that it was Jesus on the shore. He probably did this hurriedly as we might do if a visitor came knocking on our door & we were still in our night-wear not having a dressing gown on, at least. But the word 'naked' in the original Greek, can also mean 'having under-clothing on', as some would do, wearing minimal clothing when doing arduous work (e.g. workers on a building site). It seems the other disciples on the boat were fully dressed but Peter had shed his outer garment for work purposes.

But why Peter then "cast himself into the sea" with this heavier coat on and with a heavy catch of fish to be dragged in, I cannot be sure. I have often assumed that he wanted to get to shore first to be with the Lord Jesus by swimming there, but even doing that with a coat on seems unreasonable. Maybe others might have another thought about this event.

Carol,

Simon Peter was not naked as in nude, but naked as in he had his fishing garments on which were just his under clothes.



He didn't have his cloak, his outer garment on, so he puts his outer garment on. I guess he felt like he was not presentable because there is the Lord, and he did cast himself into the sea. Impulsive Peter!