Note 10 at Jn. 21:15: Peter had three times denied that He knew the Lord; now the Lord asks affirmation of his love three times. The first two times that Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, Jesus used the Greek word "agapao," which denotes God's kind of love -- a perfect, unselfish love (see note 4 at Jn. 13:35, p. 424). Peter replied with the Greek word "phileo," which is a much less passionate word meaning friendship or fondness.

Jesus was asking, "Peter do you love me supremely above all else?" Peter replied, "Lord you know that I'm your friend" or "I'm fond of you." The third time Jesus asked Peter this question, Jesus met Peter where he was and used the word "phileo."

Note 11 at Jn. 21:15: Peter's attitude was quite different here from what it was just a few days before when he had said, "Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended" (Mt. 26:33). He had been surprised and humbled by his failure to profess that he even knew Jesus.

Perhaps it was because of this bold statement of Peter the night before Jesus' crucifixion that Jesus was prompted to ask Peter if he loved Him more than these. The "more than these" could be referring to loving Jesus more than the other disciples loved Jesus; or He could have been referring to Peter loving Jesus more than his fishing, symbolizing loving Jesus more than anything else.

Note 12 at Jn. 21:15: If Peter really loved Jesus, then Jesus instructed him to feed His lambs and sheep (vv. 16,17). True love will produce service. Service does not produce true love.

Note 13 at Jn. 21:15: This instruction to Peter to feed His lambs was not only instructional, but was also provided for reassurance. Peter's three denials had put his relationship with the Lord in doubt in the sight of Peter and the others. This commission provided reassurance to everyone, including Peter, that the Lord had forgiven him and reinstated Peter to his position of authority.