‘“Simon, son of John”, he said for the third time, “Are you my friend?”’  (John 21:17)

The friend zone: Janet Scott reads from the gospel of John

Christ Appears at Lake Tiberias (John 21:1-9) | Photo: by William de Brailes c1250.

The gospel of John has a complex literary history, but it is clear that the final chapter is a late addition. The previous chapter has closing remarks and chapter 21 refers to the deaths of Peter and the beloved disciple, so must have been written and added after those occurred.

You need to login to read subscriber-only content and/or comment on articles.