John 21:18-23

The Destiny of Peter and John


The word destiny is a word defined in the English dictionary: “A predetermined course of events considered as something beyond human power or control.”

Most people you know refuse to talk about such an intimidating word. The Scripture teaches that it is God who has determined the end from the beginning, but many think if we would ignore the meaning of this word, we can take control of our lives as though we were God. The Scriptures define God’s eternal decree as whatsoever comes to pass, yet not by eliminating second causes as our Westminster Confession puts it accurately: “God from all eternity did by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass; yet so, as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures; nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.” (Eph. 1:11; Rom.11:33; Heb.6:17; Rom.9:15, 18; Jam.1:13; 17; I John1:5; Acts 2:23; Matt.17:12; Prov.16:33)


  1. ENDURING UNTIL THE END

    1. Peter and John follow faithfully until the end

1. Reinstated Peter – v.15-17

2. Peter’s zest for life –v.18a


B. Youth and Age

1. Youth sparkles with confidence

2. The weaknesses of youth – I Tim.3:6 cf. I Tim.4:12-14

3. With old age comes wisdom and balance – Psa.92:14

4. Martyrdom – Matt.10:24 (Foxes of Martyrs –Ignatius of Antioch)

Turn To: Hebrews 11:33-40; Acts 9:16; Heb.12:2


C. Temperaments:

      1. Reality – Tim Lahaye’s book “The Spirit Controlled Temperaments”

      2. Diversity – Peter is the impetuous, John is quiet, reserve thinker

      3. Examples – Peter man of action – John almost never first to speak



  1. FOLLOWING INTO THE FUTURE

    1. Observations:

      1. Peter is told by the Lord that his business is to follow faithfully as he was commissioned – v.19,22 cf. Matt.4:18-20

      2. Peter must not be concerned with the destiny of a fellow-servant – (God’s Secret Council) Heb.12:2 cf. John 21:15-17


    1. Eschatological Sense:

      1. Jesus shall most definitely return to take us to be with Him – John 14:1-3

      2. Jesus’ important clause, “Until I come” v.22; Preliminary signs – Matthew 24,25; II Thess.2,


    1. Speculations:

      1. Be careful not to read into the text

      2. Peter will die around 45 years later, writing two Epistles (63,64AD)

      3. John remained approximately 65 years later preaching, writing three Epistles (85-95AD and Revelation – 95AD)









Conclusion:


  1. This passage is written also for our benefit. To examine our lives in order to make our calling and election sure – II Peter 1:10


  1. For sure we know our destiny has not been written on the wall, it belongs within God’s secret decree. However, we do know God’s present providence for us where He has led us to worship and fellowship with His people. We do not know if the Lord will tarry or delay His coming. Matt.13:32


  1. Meanwhile we must be busy working in the Master’s vineyard witnessing the gospel of grace, putting ourselves under the means of grace (Word and Sacrament) Matt. 20:1-6









Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church

207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

6/22/2008